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LIBRARY 

OP    THE 

UNIVERSITY  OF  NORTH  CAROLINA, 


Endowed   by  the   Dialectic    and  Philanthropic  Societies. 
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LADIES'   MEMORIAL   ASSOCIATION. 


Confederate 


MEMORIAL  ADDRESSES. 


MONDAY,  MAY  n,   1885, 

NEW    BERN,   N.    C. 


RICHMOND,  VA. : 

Whittet  &  Shepperson,  Cor.  Tenth  and  Main  Streets. 
1886. 


Newbern,  N.  C,  March  31,  1892. 
State  Chronicle: — 

In  a  recent  issue  of  your  paper  you  state  "It  is  settled 
that  the  name  of  this  place  should  be  New  Bern."  You  are 
in  error.  I  send  you  an  official  document  (just  issued), 
being  a  message  from  the  President  transmitting  to  Con- 
gress the  report  of  the  Committee  on  Geographic  names, 
and  the  action  taken  by  Congress  on  it.  The  report 
respects  the  laws  of  North  Carolina  which  in  1723  in- 
corporated "The  Town  of  Newbern,"  and  in  18G8  re-chartered 
it  "The  City  of  Newbern;"  it  also  sustains  the  usages  of  the 
Government  for  over  one  hundred  years  and  establishes  the 
name  Newbern,  Craven  county,  North  Carolina,  as  per  page 
32  of  the  report.  It  expressly  discards  the  names  Newberne, 
New  Berne,  New  Bern,  New  Burn,  and  adopts  Newbern. 
This  report,  in  accordance  with  Law,  is  accepted  as  standard 
authority  by  all  the  Departments  of  the  Government. 
I  was  shown  a  short  time  past  in  the  Post-office  department 
at  Washington  the  records  of  the  Newbern  Post-office  for 
over  one  hundred  years;  during  the  entire  time  up  to  1862 
no  other  name  than  Newbern  appears  in  the  records.  In 
1862,  at  the  time  Newbern  was  captured  by  Gen'l  Burnside 
and  when  it  was  almost  entirely  evacuated  by  the  citizens, 
the  Post-office,  as  shown  by  the  records,  was  taken  posses- 
sion of  by  Mr.  John  Dibble,  Mr.  E.  Hubbs  and  some  others 
connected  with  Burnside's  army  and  the  name,  without  any 
legal  authority,  was  changed  to  New-Berne. 

The  recent   action  of  the  Government  restores  its  legal 

name,  Newbern. 

William  H.  Oliver. 


Digitized  by  the  Internet  Archive 

in  2011  with  funding  from 

University  of  North  Carolina  at  Chapel  Hil 


http://www.archive.org/details/confederatememor03ladi 


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LADIES'   MEMORIAL   ASSOCIATION. 


Confederate 


MEMORIAL   ADDRESSES. 


MONDAY,  MAY   n,   188 


NEW    BERN,   N.    C. 


y 


KICHMOND,  VA. : 

WlITTTET    &    SHEPPERSON,    COR,    TENTH    AND    MAIN    STREETS. 

1886. 


CONTENTS. 


1.  Frontispiece  :  Confederate  Monument. 

2.  Historical  Sketch  of  the  Ladies'  Memorial  Association  of  New 

Bern,  N.  C,  by  Kev.  L.  C.  Vass,  A.  M.,     ....         5 

3.  Biographical   Sketch  of  Gen.   James   Johnston   Pettigrew,  by 

Capt.  H.  C.  Graham,        .......         9 

4.  Address  on  Unveiling  the  Confederate  Monument,  by  Rev.  L. 

C.  Vass,  A.  M.,  26 

5.  Poem,  "Dux  Fg:mina  Facti,''  by  Mrs.  Mary  Bayard  Clarke,     .       29 

6.  Proceedlngs  at  the  Unveiling  of  the  Monument,     ...       29 


HISTORICAL    SKETCH 


OF 


THE  LADIES'  MEMORIAL  SOCIETY 


NEW    BEEN,    N.    C. 


DUPING  the  late  sad  war  New  Bern  was  long  occupied  by 
the  Federal  troops.  At  its  close,  the  old  citizens,  long 
exiles  from  their  homes,  returned,  broken  in  fortune,  poor  in 
worldly  goods,  but  rich  in  patriotic  fervor.  The  large-hearted 
women  of  New  Bern  determined,  in  some  way,  to  commemorate 
the  devotion  of  the  dead  Confederate  soldiers  of  this  section  of 
the  old  North  State.  No  means  were  available  except  what  con- 
tinuous effort  could  realize. 

On  November  17,  1866,  the  Board  of  City  Councilmen,  by  a 
vote  of  four  to  two,  passed  the  following  ordinance : 

"  It  is  ordained  by  the  Mayor  and  Council  of  the  city  of  New 
Bern,  that  the  plat  of  ground  in  Cedar  Grove  Cemetery,  known 
as  the  Circle,  and  the  four  adjoining  triangles,  be,  and  the  same 
are  hereby  given,  set  apart,  and  appropriated  to  the  New  Bern 
Memorial  Association,  for  the  legitimate  purposes  for  which  said 
Association  was  formed. 

"Be  it  further  ordained,  that  the  Mayor  and  Council  of  said 
city  shall,  and  will  convey  by  deed  to  said  Association  said  plat  of 
ground,  so  soon  as  said  Association  shall  be  prepared  legally  to 
receive  the  same." 

"The  Ladies'  Memorial  Association  of  New  Bern"  was 
organized  in  January,  1867,  with  the  following  officers:  Presi- 
dent, Mrs.  E.  B.  Daves ;  Vice-Presidents,  Mrs.  J.  A.  Guion,  Mrs. 
W.  P.  Moore  and  Mrs.  M.  McK.  Nash  ;  Secretary,  Miss  H.  Lane  ; 


b  HISTORICAL  SKETCH  OF  THE 

Treasurer,  Mrs.  Julius  Lewis.  For  the  past  eighteen  years 
they  have  .labored  with  commendable  perseverance  to  accomplish 
their  worthy  aims.  Money  has  been  gathered  from  annual  dues, 
festivals,  concerts,  mite  chests,  donations,  and  a  final  handsome 
and  successful  effort  through  the  columns  of  the  New  Bern  Daily 
Journal,  by  its  editor,  Mr.  H.  S.  Nunn.  Altogether  they  have 
received  about  $3,700. 

On  May  2d,  1867,  was  laid  the  corner-stone  of  the  mausoleum 
or  vault  beneath  centre  plat.  It  was  completed  at  a  cost  of  about 
$2,000.  Herein  have  been  deposited  sixty-seven  bodies  of  Con- 
federates, who  died  or  were  killed  in  or  near  the  city  during  the 
war.  Their  names  are  preserved  by  the  Society.  Three  other 
interments  have  been  made  since;  and  any  Confederate  soldier, 
remaining  true  to  the  "Lost  Cause,"  may  be  buried  here,  if  his 
family  so  desire. 

Above  this  mausoleum,  on  the  summit  of  the  mound,  stands 
the  Association's  crowning  work — the  beautiful  monument  repro- 
duced in  the  frontispiece.  It  rises  from  a  bottom  base,  four  feet 
square,  to  a  total  height  of  eighteen  feet.  The  bottom  and  sub- 
base,  die  and  shaft,  are  of  fine  Rutland  blue  marble.  The  life-size 
statue  on  top  was  cut,  after  a  design  expressly  for  this  monument, 
by  the  best  workman  in  Carrara,  Italy.  It  represents  a  Confed- 
erate soldier  in  uniform  and  overcoat,  on  picket,  with  every  sense 
awake  as  he  keenly  watches  for  the  slightest  hostile  movement. 
Calm,  faithful,  brave,  he  will  never  be  surprised.  A  noble  face 
and  figure,  a  typical  hero  from  the  ranks !  In  procuring  and 
setting  in  place  this  statue,  Mr.  J.  K.  Willis,  the  skilled  marble 
worker  of  New  Bern,  kindly  assisted  the  ladies  without  charge 
for  his  personal  care  and  superintendence. 

Just  as  this  statue  was  put  in  position,  the  first  and  only  presi- 
dent of  the  Association,  Mrs.  Daves,  passed  from  her  service  here 
to  her  reward.  Her  last  moments  were  cheered  by  the  announce- 
ment of  the  happy  completion  of  this  work,  so  dear  to  her  noble 
heart. 

The  monument  was  finished  in  time  for  the  annual  May  cele- 
bration, 1885.  So  Monday,  May  11th,  a  most  charming  and 
auspicious  day,  was  appropriated  to  the 


ladies  memorial  society  of  new  bern,  n.  c.  7 

Inauguration  Ceremonies. 
Steamer  and  railroad  poured  in  their  contributions  from  river 
and  inland,  from  Morehead,  Kingston  and  Smithfield,  until  a  dense 
throng  gathered  around  the  tastefully  decorated  speaker's  stand, 
under  the  pleasant  shade  of  the  Academy's  beautiful  grove  of  elms. 
Prominent  in  front  were  the  old  shot-rent  and  battle -inscribed 
flag  of  the  Forty-eighth  North  Carolina  Regiment,  and  the  bright 
banner  of  the  Sixty-seventh  North  Carolina  Regiment,  borne  by 
a  one-armed  ex-Confederate.  Old  veterans  of  these  commands 
honored  their  remembered  ensigns  of  trying  days. 

After  music  by  the  choir  and  a  prayer  by  Rev.  V.  W.  Shields, 
Mr.  Clement  Manly  introduced  the  orator  of  the  day,  Captain 
Hamilton  C.  Graham,  of  Dallas  county,  Ala.,  but  a  native  of 
Halifax  county,  N.  C,  and  formerly  a  captain  in  the  Seventh 
North  Carolina  Regiment,*  who  then,  in  response  to  the  invita- 
tion of  the  Memorial  Association,  delivered  the  handsome  address 
which  follows,  on  the  Life  and  Services  of  General  James  John- 
ston Pettigrew. 


*  Captain  Graham  was  first  a  private  in  the  Ellis  North  Carolina  Light  Artillery  ; 
then  Lieutenant  in  the  Twenty-second  Regiment,  North  Carolina  Infantry ;  pro- 
moted to  Captain  in  Seventh  North  Carolina  Regiment;  severely  wounded  at 
Gaines'  Mill ;  then  appointed  Judge  Advocate  of  the  General  Court-martial.  He 
is  now  a  practising  lawyer. 


ADDRESS 


THE   LIFE    AND    SERVICES    OF   GENERAL   JAMES 

JOHNSTON  PETTIGREW,    (/  %  2  %  ~l  ^^  $) 

DELIVERED  BT 

H.   C.    GRAHAM,  of  Dallas  County,  Ala., 

At  New  Been,  N.  C,  on  the  11th  of  Max,  1885,  by  invitation  from  the 

New  Been  Ladies'  Memorial  Assoclvhon. 


Ladies  of  the  New  Bern  Memorial  Association  and  Fellow- 
Citizens  : 

UNDER  any  circumstances  I  should  feel  myself  highly  hon- 
ored in  being  called  upon  to  address  an  audience  such  as  I 
now  see  before  me  ;  but  when  I  consider  all  of  my  present  sur- 
roundings, when  I  remember  the  place  where  I  am,  and  the  pur- 
pose for  which  I  am  here,  my  heart  is  filled  to  overflowing  with 
appreciation  of  this  occasion. 

Twenty  years  have  passed  since  last  I  stood  upon  the  precious 
soil  of  North  Carolina.  With  all  the  longing  that  ever  possesses 
the  heart  of  the  absent  sons  of  the  Old  North  State,  I  have  looked 
forward  to  some  day  when  once  more  I  could  stand  amid  the 
scenes  of  my  youth.  I  have  little  thought,  however,  it  would  be 
on  an  occasion  like  this,  or  that  I  should  occupy  the  conspicuous 
position  in  which  I  now  find  myself,  through  the  invitation  with 
which  I  have  been  honored  from  the  noble  association  of  ladies 
in  this  city,  who  have  done  so  much,  to  their  everlasting  honor 
be  it  said,  to  perpetuate  the  name  and  fame  of  those  gallant  sons 
of  North  Carolina,  who  went  forth  to  die  for  her  and  for  the 
cause  of  self-government. 

A  beautiful  custom,  I  learn,  prevails  in  Carolina  on  the  occa- 
sion of  these  annual  memorial  services,  and  that  is,  to  select  as 
the  theme  for  the  occasion  the  name  of  some  conspicuous  ex- 
emplar of   valor   and  worth   from   among   that  large  number   of 


10  ADDRESS  ON  THE  LIFE  AND  SERVICES  OF 

North  Carolinians  who  distinguished  themselves  in  our  great 
war  between  the  States. 

I  would,  ladies  and  gentlemen,  that  some  more  eloquent  tongue 
than  mine,  that  some  one  more  practised  in  the  arts  and  graces  of 
oratory  than  myself  were  present  on  this  interesting  occasion,  to 
^  voice  the  virtues  and  to  pay  proper  tribute  to  the  brilliant  mili- 
tary achievements  of  that  brave  soldier  and  true  patriot,  James 
Johnston  Petitgrew,  the  subject  of  our  theme  to-day;  for  among 
all  that  long  list  of  brave  men  and  skillful  commanders  that 
North  Carolina  sent  forth  to  battle  for  her  cause,  among  that 
galaxy  of  Southern  heroes  that,  from  1861  to  1^65,  claimed  the 
admiration  of  the  world,  he  was  the  peer  of  them  all. 

England's  greatest  bard  hath  said,  that — 

"To  gild  refined  gold,  to  paiut  the  lily, 
To  throw  a  perrume  on  the  violet, 
To  smooth  the  ice,  or  add  another  hue 
Unto  the  rainbow,  or  with  taper  light 
To  seek  the  beauteous  eye  of  heaven  to  garnish. 
Is  wa-teful  and  ridiculous  excess." 

With  this  forcible  and  beautiful  metaphor  the  wonderful  poet 
intended  to  convey  the  idea  that  it  was  needless  to  embellish  per- 
fect excellence;  and  the  quotation  has  been  often  used  to  illustrate 
the  idea  that  where  a  great  and  a  good  man  dies,  whose  virtues 
were  so  conspicuous  that  they  must  of  necessity  have  been  known 
by  all  men,  there  is  no  need  for  eulogy.  The  character  and  the 
achievements  of  such  men  speak  more  eloquently  in  their  behalf 
than  any  language  the  eulogist  can  command.  Such  was  the 
character  and  such  the  achievements  of  that  noble  son  of  North 
Carolina  whose  memory  we  seek  to  honor  to-day. 

A  soldier  of  high  resolve,  with  capacity  for  brilliant  executiony 
a  gentleman  far  removed  from  the  slightest  tinge  of  a  dishonor- 
able thought  or  action,  of  absolutely  unselfish  and  unadulterated 
patriotism,  James  Johnston  Pettigrew  was  emphatically  a  man 
for  the  times  in  which  he  lived ;  a  man  for  lofty  and  noble  deeds 
n  a  great  struggle  that  called  forth  the  noblest  and  the  best 
attributes  of  human  nature.  Of  that  pure  and  spotless  character, 
and  elevated,  knightly  courage  that  absolutely  knew  not  the 
meaning  of  the  word  fear  in  the  performance  of  duty,  he  was  a 
fit  associate  of  the  immaculate  Lee,  and  a  fit  commander  of  that 
heroic  division  that  scaled  the  heights  of  Gettysburg,  planted  their 


GEN.  JAMES  JOHNSTON  PETTIGREW.  11 

country's  banner  on  that  fiery  crest,  and  poured  forth,  alas!  such 
a  copious  libation  of  North  Carolina's  best  blood  upon  that  mem- 
orable field.  Of  calm  and  dignified  bearing,  his  fine  countenance 
ever  expressive  of  deep  reflection  and  noble  resolve,  with  that 
admirable  poise  of  mind  and  disposition  that  was  never  too  ex- 
ultant in  success,  nor  cast  down  in  trial  and  defeat, 

"Composed  in  suffering,  in  joy  sedate; 
Good  without  noise,  without  pretension  great ; 
True  to  his  word,  in  every  thought  sincere, 
Kuowing  no  wish  but  what  the  world  might  hear," 

he  was  eminently  fitted  to  be  a  leader  in  a  cause  destined  to  try 
to  the  utmost  the  virtue  and  the  endurance  of  man. 

I  beg  you,  ladies  and  gentlemen,  not  to  suppose  that  I  am 
attempting  merely  the  language  of  eulogy  in  thus  endeavoring  to 
describe  some  of  the  characteristics  of  James  Johnston  Pettigrew, 
for  he  was  in  truth  all  that  I  have  said,  and  more;  nor  do  I  feel 
that  in  the  mere  outline  of  his  character  and  services  permitted 
by  the  limits  of  this  address,  I  could  pay  but  the  most  imperfect 
tribute  to  the  virtues  and  achivements  of  this  departed  hero  and 
patriot. 

It  is  a  noble  spectacle  to  witness  the  annual  outpouring  of  our 
people  on  occasions  like  this,  for  the  purpose  of  keeping  alive  the 
remembrance  of  the  heroes  of  our  lost  cause.  The  memory  of 
the  sad  and  pathetic  fate  of  our  lost  and  loved  ones  is  ours  now,  and 
it  is  a  labor  of  love  that  we  perform  in  scattering  beautiful  flowers 
upon  their  graves ;  but  it  cannot  and  it  will  not  be,  that  the  glory 
of  their  achievements  will  always  remain  the  property  of  only  a 
portion  of  this  land. 

As  the  passions  and  bitter  animosities  of  the  war  shall  disap- 
pear, and  as  the  sentiment  of  the  country  shall  become  mellowed 
by  time,  history  will  at  last  do  justice  to  that  grand  army  of  heroes 
who  illustrated  to  the  world  such  sublime  heroism,  self-denial  and 
patriotic  purpose'  for  their  convictions  of  right,  and  who  gave  such 
splendid  exhibition  of  their  Anglo-Saxon  origin  and  of  American 
manhood. 

As  the  Englishman  of  to-day  points  with  pride  to  the  names  of 
England's  heroes  emblazoned  on  the  walls  of  Westminister  Abbey,. 
who  fought  in  days  gone  by  for  different  political  convictions,  but 
who  fought  nobly  and  well,  whichever  side  they  espoused ;  as  he- 


12  ADDRESS  ON  THE  LIFE  AND  SERVICES  OF 

to-day  points  to  victor  and  vanquished  alike  and  tells  us,  not  that 
this  man  was  a  rebel,  and  that  one  loyal,  but  "  these  are  the  men 
who  in  the  past  history  of  my  country  have  illustrated  the  hero- 
ism, the  nobility  and  the  highest  virtues  of  the  Anglo-Saxon 
races  ;"  so,  in  the  near  future,  the  time  will  come  when  the 
names  and  the  fame  of  our  Southern  heroes  and  patriots  will  be- 
come the  common  property  of  America.  And  when  that  day 
shall  come — when  that  day  shall  come !  as  it  will,  so  sure  as  the 
bright  sun  now  e*ives  its  li^ht  from  heaven — then  among  the  long 
list  of  historic  names  that  shall  be  held  up  to  the  rising  genera- 
tions as  exemplars  of  all  that  was  true  and  noble  of  valor  and 
worth,  of  all  that  was  sublime  in  patriotic  impulse  and  endeavor, 
none  will  be  found  that  will  shine  with  a  purer  lustre  than  that 
of  Pettigrew.  In  the  brief  story  of  his  life  that  I  am  permitted 
to  recite  to-day,  I  shall  be  able  to  convey  to  you  but  an  imperfect 
description  of  the  man.  I  may  speak  to  }Tou  of  his  youthful 
triumphs  as  a  student,  of  his  literary  attainments  in  after  life,  of 
his  scholarly  accomplishments,  of  his  distinguished  record  in  the 
politics  of  his  adopted  State,  of  his  achievements  and  his  aspira- 
tions as  a  soldier,  and  we  may  draw  our  inferences  theref rom ;  but 
that  elevated  character  of  his  every  impulse,  that  deep  and  all- 
pervading  earnestness  of  purpose,  that  complete  abnegation  of 
self  in  his  devotion  to  his  cause,  that  keen  sense  of  true  nobility 
and  honor,  that  was  characteristic  of  the  man,  could  only  be  known 
and  appreciated  for  their  full  value  by  those  who  were  thrown  in 
immediate  contact  with  him. 

JAMES  JOHNSTON  PETTIGREW 
was  born  on  the  shores  of  Lake  Scuppernong,  in  Tyrrell  county, 
North  Carolina,  on  the  4th  July,  1828,  at  the  paternal  estate, 
"Bonarva,"  where  was  ever  dispensed  that  princely  hospitality 
characteristic  of  the  Southern  plantation  of  the  olden  time. 
His  father,  Hon.  Ebenezer  Pettigrew,  who,  for  a  short  period, 
represented  his  district  in  the  United  States  Congress,  was 
descended  from  an  ancient  and  honorable  family,  of  French 
origin,  but  a  portion  of  which  early  settled  in  Ireland,  and 
became  distinguished  in  the  civil  and  military  history  of  that 
country.  One  of  his  ancestors,  James  Pettigrew,  was  a  dis- 
tinguished officer  in  King  William's  army  at  the  battle  of  the 


GEN.  JAMES  JOHNSTON  PETTIGREW.  13 

Boyne,  and  for  gallant  service  there  he  received  a  grant  of  lands 
from  the  crown.  James  Pettigrew,  the  youngest  son  of  this  gen- 
tleman, emigrated  to  America  in  1740,  and  was  the  founder  of 
the  family  in  this  country.  He  finally  settled  at  Abbeville, 
South  Carolina,  leaving  in  North  Carolina  his  son  Charles,  grand- 
father to  General  Pettigrew,  and  the  founder  of  the  family  in 
this  State.  This  gentleman,  who  was  ordained  to  the  ministry 
by  the  Bishop  of  London  in  1775,  became  an  eminent  divine  in 
the  English  Church,  and  after  the  Revolution  was  chosen  the 
first  Bishop  of  the  Episcopal  Diocese  of  North  Carolina.  He 
died,  however,  before  his  consecration,  leaving  one  son,  Hon.  Eb- 
enezer  Pettigrew,  to  whom  I  have  already  referred. 

It  is  eminently  appropriate  that  this  city  should  do  honor  to 
the  memory  of  James  Johnston  Pettigrew,  for  his  mother,  Mrs. 
Ann  B.  Pettigrew,  was  the  daughter  of  one  of  the  most  dis- 
tinguished families  that  New  Bern  has  produced,  being  a  member 
of  that  family  of  Shepards  whose  high  social  standing  for  years 
added  greatly  to  that  brilliant  society,  which  has  rendered  this 
classic  town  famous  in  the  history  of  North  Carolina. 
■ —  The  early  youth  of  General  Pettigrew  was  passed  under  the  in- 
struction of  that  unrivalled  preceptor,  W.  T.  Bingham,  in  Hills- 
boro,  and  doubtless  to  the  splendid  training  he  there  received  was 
due  much  of  his  success  during  his  brilliant  collegiate  course. 

In  1843  he  entered  the  University  of  North  Carolina,  then,  as 
at  the  outbreak  of  the  war,  under  the  guidance  of  that  loved  and 
revered  head,  Governor  David  L.  Swain.     His  college  career  was 
*      one  continued  and  brilliant  success. 

Perhaps  no  student  at  the  University  ever  graduated  with 
greater  distinction  than  did  young  Pettigrew  in  1817.  So  con- 
spicuous was  his  merit,  of  such  a  high  order  were  his  acquire- 
ments, that  President  Polk,  who  was  attending  the  commencement, 
accompanied  by  Commodore  Maury,  at  the  suggestion  of  that  dis- 
tinguished officer  and  scientist,  tendered  to  Pettigrew  one  of  the 
assistant  Professorships  in  the  Observatory  at  Washington ;  thus 
placing  him  at  the  early  age  of  nineteen  in  one  of  the  most  re- 
sponsible and  highly  respected  positions  under  the  Government. 

Here,  while  he  faithfully  and  satisfactorily,  and  with  great  dis- 
tinction to  himself,  performed  all  the  duties  of  his  office,  yet  the 
quiet  and  uneventful  routine  of  the  scientific  studio  was  unsuited 


14  ADDRESS  ON  THE  LIFE  AND  SERVICES  OF 

to  his  active  genius,  and  he  longed  for  more  vigorous  action  in 
the  arena  of  life;  consequently,  in  1848,  he  adopted  the  profession 
of  law,  and  commenced  his  studies  with  James  M.  Campbell,  Esq., 
of  Baltimore ;  in  a  short  time,  however,  he  removed  to  Charles- 
ton, South  Carolina,  and  completed  his  legal  preparation  under 
the  tutelage  of  his  distinguished  relative,  James  L.  Pettigrew, 
Esq.,  for  many  years  the  acknowledged  head  of  the  South  Caro- 
lina Bar.  In  1850  he  commenced  an  extended  European  tour, 
devoting  much  of  his  time  while  abroad  to  profound  study.  It 
was  during  his  travels  in  Spain  that  Mr.  Barringer,  then  United 
States  Minister  at  Madrid,  offered  him  the  Secretaryship  to  the 
Legation  on  account  of  his  varied  accomplishments  and  eminent 
fitness  for  the  position;  but  learning  that  the  then  incumbent  was 
anxious  to  retain  his  position,  with  that  nice  consideration  for  the 
feelings  of  others  that  was  one  of  his  chief  characteristics,  he  de- 
clined the  offer. 

In  1852  Mr.  Pettigrew  returned  to  Charleston  and  the  practice 
of  his  profession.  In  1856  he  became  an  active  participant  in 
the  political  controversies  of  his  State,  which  resulted  in  his  elec- 
tion to  the  Legislature  from  the  city  of  Charleston  in  the  October 
elections  of  that  year.  There  was,  at  this  period,  a  dignity  and 
consequence  attached  to  the  office  of  Representative  in  South  Car- 
olina perhaps  unequaled  in  any  other  State,  and  the  General 
Assembly  was  composed  of  the  very  best  material  afforded  by  the 
commonwealth.  Many  of  the  members  had  grown  old  in  the  ser- 
vice of  the  State,  and  had  earned  for  themselves  distinction  that 
had  given  them  a  national  reputation.  In  this  body  James  John- 
ston Pettigrew,  though  one  of  the  youngest  members,  at  once 
became  an  honored  and  conspicuous  figure. 

The  slavery  question,  with  all  its  attendant  agitations,  was  at 
this  period  assuming  vast  proportions  in  the  politics  of  the  country. 
Already  distant  thunders  from  the  clouds  of  war  were  beginning 
to  be  heard  from  the  political  horizon,  and  perhaps  in  no  State  of 
the  South  were  more  extreme  measures  urged  than  in  South  Car- 
olina. 

In  the  midst  of  the  heated  and  passionate  controversies  of  the 
times,  Pettigrew,  while  he  was  the  very  embodiment  of  that 
loyalty  to  the  State  which  was  the  shibboleth  of  his  party,  yet 
ever  tempered    his    sentiments  with  a  broad  and  statesmanlike 


GEN.  JAMES  JOHNSTON  PETTIGREW.  15 

conservatism,  with  a  calm  and  dignified  consideration,  that  con- 
spicuously marked  him  among  his  co-laborers  in  the  counsels  of 
the  State  ;  and  at  the  conclusion  of  his  legislative  term,  perhaps  no 
man  of  his  years  in  South  Carolina  occupied  a  more  prominent 
position  among  the  advanced  thinkers  of  the  day. 

In  1859  he  again  returned  to  Europe,  his  military  tastes, 
which  were  ever  predominent,  leading  him  thither  to  observe  the 
progress  of  the  Italian  war. 

While  Pettigrew  was  essentially  a  firm  believer  in  the  doctrine 
of  State  supremacy,  he  was  intensely  American  in  his  love  for 
and  pride  in  his  country  as  a  whole,  and  in  his  devotion  to  the 
principles  of  true  republicanism.  His  deepest  sympathies  were 
enlisted  in  behalf  of  the  Sardinians,  struggling  to  free  themselves 
from  the  yoke  of  their  oppressors  during  the  Italian  war,  and  he 
applied  for  and  obtained  a  staff  appointment  in  the  Sardinian  ser- 
vice; but  while  hurrying  forward  to  join  the  army,  before  he  could 
reach  it,  peace  was  declared,  and  he  was  unable  to  carry  out  his 
noble  and  unselfish  purpose. 

In  his  interesting  book — "Spain  and  the  Spaniards" — one  of 
the  results  of  his  extensive  travels,  and  published  shortly  after  his 
return  from  abroad,  commenting  upon  the  apathy  of  Europe 
while  a  nation  was  struggling  for  freedom,  and  upon  his  own 
emotions  as  he  hastened  forward  to  join  the  Sardinian  army,  he 
says : 

"  It  was  certainly  humiliating  that  so  large  a  portion  of 
Europe  should  have  remained  un sympathizing  spectators  of  the 
contest.  On  the  part  of  an  American,  acquiescence  in  such  neu- 
trality would  have  been  treason  against  nature.  Inspired  by  these 
sentiments,  I  was  hurrying  with  what  speed  I  might  to  offer  my 
services  to  the  Sardinian  Government,  and  to  ask  the  privilege  of 
serving  as  a  volunteer  in  her  armies.  *  * 

No  emotion  of  my  life  was  ever  so  pure,  so  free  from  every  shade 
of  conscientious  doubt  or  selfish  consideration.  *  *  * 

I  saw  but  the  spectacle  of  an  injured  people,  struggling  as  Amer- 
ica had  done,  to  throw  off  the  yoke  of  a  foreign  and  comparatively 
barbarous  oppressor ;  and  as  we  passed  battalion  after  battalion  of 
brave  French,  slowly  ascending  the  mountain,  I  felt  toward  them 
all  the  fervor  of  youth,  fired  by  the  grateful  traditions  of  eighty 
years  ago." 


16  ADDRESS  ON  THE  LIFE  AND  SERVICES  OF 

Returning  to  South  Carolina  the  latter  part  of  1859,  and  con- 
vinced from  the  signs  of  the  times  that  the  impending  conflict 
between  the  sections  could  not  long  be  deferred,  Pettigrew,  who 
had  devoted  much  of  his  time  while  abroad  to  the  study  of  mili- 
tary science,  took  an  active  part  in  perfecting  the  local  military 
organizations  of  Charleston.  Soon  afterward  he  was  chosen  Col- 
onel of  the  First  Regiment  of  Rifles  of  that  city,  and  through  his 
exertions  that  celebrated  corps  was  brought  to  the  highest  state  of 
discipline  and  efficiency. 

It  is  needless  that  I  should  here  go  into  any  extended  recital  of 
the  momentous  occurrences  that  preceded  the  secession  of  South 
Carolina.  As  is  well  known,  that  memorable  event  occurred  on 
the  20th  of  December,  1S60,  and  pending  negotiations  between 
the  State  and  the  Government  at  Washington.  Major  Anderson 
having  evacuated  Fort  Moultrie  and  established  himself  in  Fort 
Sumter,  the  South  Carolina  authorities  immediately  took  posses- 
sion of  the  remaining  fortifications  in  Charleston  harbor,  and  com- 
menced vigorous  measures  to  prevent  reinforcements  from  reaching 
the  Federal  commander,  and  for  the  investment  of  the  historic 
fortress  where  he  had  isolated  his  small  and  devoted  band. 

Colonel  Pettigrew,  with  his  rifle  regiment,  was  ordered  to  take 
possession  of  Castle  Pinkney,  a  small  fortification  in  the  harbor; 
but  his  services  were  soon  demanded  at  a  more  important  point, 
and  he  was  transferred  to  Morris  Island,  where  his  splendid  abili- 
ties as  a  military  engineer  were  brought  prominently  into  notice 
in  the  erection  of  some  of  those  formidable  batteries,  that  added 
so  greatly  to  the  compliment  of  the  defences  of  Charleston  harbor. 

But  events  were  rapidly  hurrying  forward  to  that  final  culmina- 
tion which  brought  the  sections  face  to  face  in  the  gigantic  struggle. 
One  by  one  additional  States  were  added  to  the  Confederacy,  until 
at  last  that  memorable  20th  May,  1861,  arrived,  when  North  Car- 
olina cast  her  lot  with  her  sisters  of  the  South.  For  the  informa- 
tion of  those  among  us  to-day  whose  memories  do  not  run  back  to 
this  historic  period, — and  I  know  there  are  many,  grown  to  man's 
and  woman's  estate,  for  our  great  struggle  has  already  begun  to 
drift  into  the  long  ago, — I  will  say  that  this  greatest  of  all  events 
in  North  Carolina's  history,  was  performed  with  great  eclat.  As 
a  youthful  soldier  and  an  eye-witness  to  the  scene,  it  made  an  im- 
pression upon  me  that  time  has  never  effaced.     The  convention 


GEN.  JAMES  JOHNSTON  PETTIGREW.  17 

then  in  session  at  Raleigh,  was  composed  of  men  famous  in  the 
history  of  the  Commonwealth.  The  city  was  tilled  with  dis- 
tinguished visitors  from  every  portion  of  the  State  and  the  South. 
The  first  camp  of  instruction,  located  near  by,  under  the  command 
of  that  noble  old  hero,  D.  IT.  Hill,  was  crowded  with  the  flower 
of  the  old  military  organizations  of  the  State,  and  sounds  of  mar- 
tial music  at  all  hours  of  the  day  were  wafted  over  the  city. 

When  the  day  arrived  for  the  final  passage  of  the  ordinance  of 
secession,  the  gallant  and  lamented  Ramseur,  then  a  major  of 
artillery,  was  ordered  to  the  Capitol  grounds  with  his  superb  bat- 
tery, to  fire  a  salute  of  one  hundred  guns  in  honor  of  the  event. 
The  battery  was  drawn  up  to  the  left  of  the  Capitol,  surrounded 
by  an  immense  throng  of  citizens.  The  convention  in  the  Hall  of 
the  House  of  Representatives  were  going  through  the  last  formality 
of  signing  the  ordinance.  The  moment  the  last  signature  was 
fixed  to  the  important  document,  at  a  given  signal,  the  artillery 
thundered  forth,  every  bell  in  the  city  rang  a  peal,  the  military 
band  rendered  patriotic  airs,  and  with  one  mighty  shout  from  the 
multitude  of  her  patriotic  sons  North  Carolina  proclaimed  to 
the  world  that  she  had  resumed  her  sovereignty.  Immediately 
afterward  she  began  to  pour  her  legions  into  Virginia. 

When  the  Twelfth  Regiment,  which  afterward  became  cele- 
brated as  the  Twenty-second  North  Carolina  Infantry,  was  organ- 
ized, Fettigrew  was  chosen  its  colonel,  having  previously  declined 
the  position  of  adjutant-general  of  South  Carolina.  At  this  time 
he  was  without  command,  on  account  of  the  Confederate  author- 
ities declining  to  receive  his  South  Carolina  regiment  on  the  terms 
they  demanded.  So  anxious  was  he,  however,  to  be  in  active 
service,  he  had  proceeded  to  Richmond  and  enlisted  in  the  Hamp- 
ton Legion,  when  his  commission  as  colonel  of  the  Twelfth  North 
Carolina  Regiment  reached  him.  Joining  his  command  at  Raleigh 
in  a  short  time,  he  brought  it  to  the  very  highest  point  of  ef- 
ficiency, so  much  so  that,  when  shortly  afterward  he  was  ordered 
to  Virginia,  the  Richmond  papers  with  one  accord  made  most 
favorable  comment  on  the  appearance  of  his  regiment,  as  it  marched 
through  the  streets  of  that  city. 

While  North  Carolina  congratulated  herself  in  securing  the 
services  of  a  man  of  such  distinguished  abilities  as  the  commander 
of  one  of  her  regiments,  the  appointment  was  also  exceedingly 


18  ADDRESS  ON  THE  LIFE  AND  SERVICES  OF 

grateful  to  Pettigrew,  for  his  heart  had  ever  yearned  toward  his 
native  State  with  the  devotion  of  a  true  and  loyal  son. 

It  may  not  be  amiss  just  here  to  speak  of  the  sentiments  of 
Pettigrew  in  contemplating  the  approaching  conflict,  as  indicated 
by  his  own  words.  Though  much  of  his  life  had  been  passed  in  a 
State  noted  for  its  extreme  views  and  utterances  on  the  subject  of 
secession,  yet  it  was  with  no  revengeful  or  vindictive  spirit  that  he 
contemplated  the  struggle  between  the  sections,  but  with  sorrow 
that  the  land  he  loved  so  well,  the  mighty  republic  to  whose  glory 
and  renown  the  soldiers  and  statesmen  of  the  South  had  contri- 
buted so  much,  must  of  necessity  be  rent  in  twain.  His  senti- 
ments toward  the  old  flag  were  beautifully  illustrated  when,  in 
July,  1861,  he  received  a  stand  of  colors  for  his  regiment.  On 
that  occasion  he  said: 

"The  flag  of  the  old  republic  is  ours  no  more.  That  noble 
standard  which  has  so  often  waved  over  victorious  fields,  which 
has  so  often  carried  hope  to  the  afflicted  and  struggling  hearts  of 
Europe,  which  has  so  often  protected  us  in  distant  lands  afar 
from  home  and  kindred,  now  threatens  us  with  destruction.  In  all 
its  former  renown  we  participated  ;  Southern  valor  bore  it  to  its 
proudest  triumphs,  and  oceans  of  Southern  blood  have  watered 
the  ground  beneath  it.  Let  us  lower  it  with  honor  and  lay  it 
reverently  upon  the  earth.'' 

Remaining  in  Richmond  about  a  week,  Colonel  Pettigrew  was 
ordered  to  report  with  his  regiment  to  General  Holmes,  at  Brooke 
Station,  on  the  Richmond  and  Fredericksburg  railroad,  from 
whence  he  was  ordered  to  Evansport,  on  the  Potomac,  where  his 
regiment  was  actively  employed  in  constructing  and  guarding 
those  formidable  batteries  that  for  so  many  months  cut  off  water 
communication  with  Washington  city.  The  construction  of  a  large 
portion  of  the  defensive  works  at  Evansport  was  entrusted  entirely 
to  Pettigrew,  and  after  their  completion,  they  were  pronounced 
by  competent  authority,  to  be  master-pieces  of  military  engineer- 
ing. 

In  the  spring  of  1862  the  Army  of  the  Potomac  fell  back,  and 
proceeded  to  Yorktown,  to  meet  McClellan's  advance  on  Richmond. 
Previous  to  the  evacuation  of  Evansport,  without  solicitation  on 
his  part,  the  commission  of  brigadier-general  was  tendered  to 
Colonel  Pettigrew  by  President  Davis.     With  unparalelled  mod- 


I 


GEN.  JAMES  JOHNSTON  PETTIGREW.  19 

esty,  he  declined  the  appointment,  giving  as  his  reason,  that  he 
was  unwilling  to  assume  the  command  of  a  brigade  until  he  had 
seen  more  active  service  with  his  regiment.  It  was  rny  good 
fortune  at  this  period  of  the  war  to  be  serving  under  Pettigrew  as 
a  subaltern  in  the  line,  and  I  shall  ever  bear  in  remembrance  the 
deep  sadness  that  pervaded  the  regiment  at  the  prospect  of  losing 
its  beloved  commander,  when  he  was  summoned  to  Richmond,  and 
the  joy  that  was  manifested  when  he  returned  and  made  known 
his  determination  to  remain  with  us.  No  regimental  commander 
ever  received  a  greater  ovation  from  his  troops  than  did  Petti 
grew  on  this  occasion.  As  he  rode  through  the  camp  on  his  way 
to  his  quarters,  with  that  modest  and  thoughtful  bearing  for  which 
he  was  distinguished,  he  was  greeted  by  a  prolonged  cheer  from 
every  officer  and  man  in  the  regiment.  At  heart,  however,  the 
command  were  proud  of  his  offered  promotion,  and  thought  that 
the  good  of  the  service  demanded  that  he  should  reconsider  his 
determination,  which  he  finally  concluded  to  do  after  the  earnest 
solicitation  of  that  distinguished  veteran,  General  Theophilus 
Holmes ;  and  before  leaving  Fredericksburg,  he  took  command  of 
a  brigade,  his  own  regiment  forming  a  portion  of  it. 

The  limits  of  this  address  permit  me  to  make  but  brief  mention 
of  General  Pettigrew's  distinguished  services  to  the  Confederacy 
from  this  date  to  the  battle  of  Gettysburg.  After  faithful  and 
efficient  service  in  the  trenches  at  Yorktown,  his  brigade  was 
active  in  the  performance  of  all  the  duties  required  of  it  on  the 
memorable  retreat  up  the  Peninsula.  At  Barhamsville  he  sup- 
ported the  gallant  and  Limented  Whiting,  when  that  officer  so 
splendidly  repulsed  a  portion  of  Franklin's  corps  near  West 
Point. 

On  the  1st  June,  1862,  occurred  the  sanguinary  engagement  at 
Seven  Pines.  In  this  battle  Pettigrew's  brigade  was  hotly  en- 
gaged and  lost  heavily.  While  leading  with  great  gallantry  one 
of  his  regiments  in  a  charge  upon  a  strong  position  of  the  enemy, 
General  Pettigrew  was  severely  wounded  by  a  musket  ball,  which 
passed  along  the  front  of  his  throat  and  into  the  shoulder,  cutting 
the  nerves  and  muscles  of  the  right  arm.  He  was  left  insensible 
on  the  field,  and  wThen  he  awoke  to  consciousness  he  was  a  prisoner 
in  the  enemy's  camp.  As  no  intelligence  for  some  time  could  be 
received  concerning  him,  the   impression  prevailed   that  he  had 


20  ADDKESS  ON  THE  LIFE  AND  SERVICES  OF 

been  killed,  which  occasioned  universal  mourning  throughout 
North  Carolina. 

After  about  two  months'  confinement  in  prison,  General  Petti- 
grew  was  exchanged,  and  being  still  an  invalid  from  the  effects  of 
his  wound,  he  was  assigned  to  command  at  Petersburg.  His  old 
brigade,  through  the  exigencies  of  the  service  having  been  as- 
signed to  new  commands,  a  new  one  was  formed,  composed  of  the 
Eleventh,  Twenty-sixth,  Forty-fourth,  Thirty-second  and  Fifty- 
second  North  Carolina  Infantry,  and  placed  under  his  command. 

With  this  superb  body  of  troops,  Pettigrew  was  destined  to  add 
still  brighter  laurels  to  those  already  won.  Ordered  to  North 
Carolina  in  the  fall  of  1862,  he  repelled  the  Federal  raid  into 
Martin  county,  and  also  the  Federal  General  Foster's  expedition 
against  Goldsboro'  in  December  of  that  year,  and  by  his  presence 
with  his  splendid  command  he  gave  new  heart  and  courage  to  the 
people  of  that  section  of  the  State. 

In  the  demonstration  by  General  D.  H.  Hill  against  the  town 
of  Washington,  North  Carolina,  in  the  spring  of  1863,  Pettigrew's 
brigade  rendered  conspicuous  service. 

At  the  gallant  attack  near  Blount's  Creek  General  Pettigrew 
commanded  the  forces  there  engaged,  and  gave  a  brilliant  illustra- 
tion of  his  capacity  for  separate  command.  In  this  engagement 
his  noble  adjutant-general,  the  gallant  Captain  Nicholas  Collin 
Hughes,  of  this  city,  who  had  distinguished  himself  for  bravery, 
was  painfully  wounded. 

Ordered  again  to  Virginia,  Pettigrew  was  the  defender  of  Rich- 
mond when  General  Stoneman  made  his  raid  north  of  the  city ; 
and  soon  afterward  he  took  possession  at  Hanover  Junction. 
When  General  Lee  commenced  his  memorable  advance  into  Penn- 
sylvania, Pettigrew's  brigade  accompanied  him  as  a  part  of  Hetlr  s 
division. 

So  much  has  been  spoken  and  written  concerning  the  great  pas- 
sage of  arms  at  Gettysburg,  it  is  needless  that  I  should  here  enter 
into  any  extended  details  on  the  subject.  Of  one  thing,  however, 
I  would  speak  with  the  most  positive  emphasis,  and  that  is,  that 
there  is  no  point  connected  with  the  history  of  that  grandest  of 
all  the  battles  of  our  great  conflict,  that  is  more  thoroughly  estab- 
lished to  the  satisfaction  of  every  candid  mind,  by  overwhelming 
testimony  from  participants  in  the  battle,  than  the  fact  -that  no 


4 


GEN.  JAMES  JOHNSTON  PETTIGREW.  21 

command  engaged  in  that  memorable  three  days'  conflict  rendered 
more  distinguished  service  to  the  Confederate  cause,  or  penetrated 
farther  into  the  enemy's  lines,  than  Pettigrew's  brigade  and  Heth's 
division,  which  he  commanded  in  the  assault  upon  Cemetery  Ridge. 
I  am  led  to  speak  thus  positively  of  this  fact,  not  from  any  obser- 
vations of  this  historic  event  myself,  for  it  was  my  fortune  at  this 
time  to  be  serving  in  another  portion  of  the  Confederacy,  but  be- 
cause it  is  the  record  of  history. 

Captain  Lewis  G.  Young,  General  Pettigrew's  distinguished  aid- 
de-camp,  a  South  Carolinian,  and  a  thoroughly  reliable  officer, 
thus  describes  the  conduct  of  Pettigrew's  brigade  in  the  terrible 
assault  on  the  enemy's  position  the  1st  of  July : 

"No  troops,"  said  he,  "could  have  fought  better  than  did  Petti- 
grew's brigade  on  this  day,  and  I  will  testify,  on  the  experience  of 
many  hard-fought  battles,  that  I  never  saw  any  tight  so  well.  Its 
conduct  was  the  admiration  of  all  who  witnessed  the  engagement; 
and  it  was  the  generally  expressed  opinion  that  no  brigade  had 
done  more  effective  service  or  won  greater  fame  for  itself  than  this 
had." 

That  this  gallant  officer  was  not  too  partial  in  his  estimate  of 
the  brilliant  services  of  this  command,  let  the  following  statement 
of  casualties  testify:  Of  the  three  thousand  officers  and  men  com- 
posing Pettigrew's  brigade  at  the  beginning  of  the  battle,  eleven 
hundred  were  killed  and  wounded.  The  Twenty-sixth  North  Caro- 
lina regiment  alone  lost  five  hundred  and  forty-nine  out  of  eight  hun- 
dred men,  and  the  Eleventh  Regiment  two  hundred  and  fifty  out  of 
five  hundred  and  fifty.  The  five  field  officers  present  with  these  two 
regiments  were  all  killed  or  wounded.  Among  them  fell  that  no- 
ble spirit,  the  gallant  Colonel  Harry  K.  Burgwin,  of  t|ie  Twenty- 
sixth  Regiment,  the  Harry  Percy  of  that  bloody  day. 

In  the  midst  of  this  engagement,  Major-General  Heth  having 
been  wounded,  the  command  of  the  division  devolved  upon  Gene- 
ral Pettigrew ;  and  upon  Colonel  Marshall,  of  the  Fifty-second  Re- 
giment, that  of  the  brigade. 

On  the  morning  of  the  3d  of  July,  General  Pettigrew  was  or- 
dered to  report,  with  Heth's  division,  to  General  Longstreet,  and 
in  the  memorable  assault  of  that  day  on  Cemetery  Hill  he  was  at 
first  ordered  to  support  General  Pickett's  division;  this  order, 
however,   was   almost  immediately   countermanded,  and    he  was 


22  ADDKESS  ON  THE  LIFE  AND  SERVICES  OF 

instructed  to  advance  upon  the  same  line  with  Pickett  in  the  main 
attack. 

What  need  that  I  should  attempt  to  describe  this  eventful  day? 
The  history  of  the  3d  of  July,  1863,  has  become  known  to  almost 
every  school  boy  in  the  land.  It  is  well  known  that  the  great  as- 
sault upon  Cemetery  Ridge,  which  may  be  said  to  have  decided 
the  fate  of  the  Confederacy,  was  opened  by  the  most  terrific  artil- 
lery duel  the  world  has  ever  known.  For  more  than  an  hour  over 
three  hundred  cannon  bellowed  forth  their  thunders  and  shook  the 
hills  around  Gettysburg,  myriads  of  bursting  shell  filled  the  air, 
and  immense  banks  of  sulphurous  smoke  rolled  over  the  interven- 
ing space  between  the  armies.  Suddenly  there  came  a  pause  in 
this  fearful  storm,  and  Pickett's  division  of  Virginians,  and  Heth's 
division  under  Pettigrew,  the  last  already  terribly  decimated  from 
its  participation  in  the  engagement  two  days  previous,  sprang  to 
the  assault  and  started  on  that  march  of  death  that  won  for  them 
imperishable  renown. 

On  the  crest  of  the  hill  in  front,  strongly  entrenched,  lay  the 
Federal  power,  with  every  necessary  appliance  of  destruction  then 
known  to  warfare.  Up  this  natural  glasis,  perfectly  open  except 
for  the  numerous  fences  that  obstructed  the  way  of  the  assaulting 
column,  for  one  mile  and  a  quarter  Pettigrew7  led  Heth's  division 
under  the  most  destructive  fire  of  artillery  and  musketry  known  in 
any  battle  of  modern  times.  Overcoming  every  obstacle,  officers 
and  men  falling  at  every  step  by  scores,  his  brave  battalions,  well- 
nigh  annihilated,  at  last  reached  the  enemy's  works,  only  to  be 
compelled  to  retire  by  overwhelming  odds,  and  slowly  the  remnant 
of  this  gallant  band  was  forced  to  fall  back  to  the  point  from 
whence  they  had  started. 

But  where,  alas  !  was  that  high  spirited  and  brave  brigade  that 
delighted  to  call  Pettigrew  its  commander?  The  gallant  Marshall, 
who  led  it,  lay  dead  upon  the  field,  and  of  the  three  thousand  who 
had  marched  with  such  bright  hopes  into  Pennsylvania  only  eight 
hundred  and  thirty-five  remained.  This  small  remnant  was  brought 
off  under  the  command  of  Major  Jones,  of  the  Twenty-sixth  Re- 
giment, every  other  field  officer,  save  one  who  was  captured,  being 
either  killed  or  wounded. 

Pettigrew  himself  was  painfully  wounded  in  the  hand,  but  he 
declined  to  leave  the  field  and  remained  with  his  troops  to  the  last. 


GEN.  JAMES  JOHNSTON  PETTIUREW.  23 

Two  of  his  staff  fell  at  his  side.  I  pause  for  an  instant  to  pay  but 
a  brief  and  imperfect  tribute  to  one  of  them,  Captain  Nicholas 
Collin  Hughes,  of  this  city,  his  brave  adjutant-general.  High 
spirited,  courageous,  of  handsome  and  dignified  presence,  animated 
by  the  noblest  impulses  of  patriotism,  of  rare  talent  and  intellec- 
tual acquirements,  idolized  by  his  family  and  dearly  loved  for  his 
virtues  by  hosts  of  friends,  there  was  a  congenial  companionship 
between  him  and  his  distinguished  commander  that  grew  stronger 
with  lengthened  association.  As  aid-de-camp  to  the  lamented 
Governor  Ellis,  as  adjutant  of  the  Second  North  Carolina  Regi- 
ment, and  as  adjutant-general  of  Pettigrew's  brigade,  he  had  won 
golden  opinions  from  his  superiors  in  command,  and  from  all  with 
whom  he  had  been  associated.  Conspicuous  always  for  his  cool- 
ness and  bravery,  in  the  thickest  of  the  light  on  the  3d  of  July  he 
received  his  mortal  wound,  and  lingered  until  the  15th,  when,  at 
Martinsburg,  Va.,  his  noble  spirit  passed  away. 

Gathering  the  shattered  remnants  of  his  army,  General  Lee 
commenced  his  retreat  into  Virginia.  But  who  shall  describe  the 
agony  of  that  march  ?  On  the  morning  of  the  14th  of  July  Hetli's 
division  arrived  at  a  point  near  Falling  Waters,  on  the  Potomac, 
^g<where  a  pontoon  bridge  had  been  constructed  for  the  passage  of 
the  army.  The  division  had  been  marching  all  night,  and,  footsore 
and  weary,  had  thrown  themselves  upon  the  ground  to  take  what 
rest  they  might,  when  General  Heth,  who  had  resumed  command 
of  his  own  and  also  of  Pender's  division,  approached  General  Pet- 
tigrew  and  informed  him  that  he  had  received  orders  to  cross  the 
river,  and  instructed  him  to  remain  as  a  rear  guard  with  his  com- 
mand, which  consisted  of  his  own  and  Archer's  brigades.  While 
the  conversation  proceeded  between  these  officers,  their  attention 
was  attracted  by  a  considerable  body  of  cavalry  which  made  their 
appearance  on  a  hill  about  a  mile  distant.  Not  knowing  whether 
they  were  friends  or  foes,  the  two  generals  were  intently  watching 
their  movements,  when  they  beheld  a  small  body  of  horsemen 
emerge  from  a  wood  a  few  hundred  yards  in  front.  This  body 
came  forward  in  a  gallop,  with  swords  drawn  and  displaying  the 
Federal  flag.  The  size  of  the  force,  numbering  about  forty  men, 
and  their  confident  approach  toward  so  large  a  body  of  infantry, 
led  General  Heth  to  suppose  that  they  were  Confederate  troops, 
and  he  withheld  the  fire  of  his  men ;  this  fatal  delusion  was  soon, 


24  ADDKESS  ON  THE  LIFE  AND  SERVICES  OF 

however,  dispelled,  for  the  reckless  troopers,  ignorant  of -the  force 
they  were  about  to  engage,  with  a  shout  dashed  into  the  midst  of 
the  Confederates,  demanding  surrender,  and  an  exciting  engage- 
ment immediately  ensued.  At  the  beginning  of  the  melee,  Gene- 
ral Pettigrew's  horse,  frightened  at  the  sudden  and  near  discharge 
of  musketry,  plunged  and  threw  his  rider.  Rising  in  great  pain, 
for  he  was  still  suffering  from  his  wound  received  at  Seven  Pines, 
and  his  arm  was  in  a  sling  from  his  injury  of  the  3d  of  July,  Pet- 
tigrew  beheld  a  Federal  corporal  near  him  in  the  act  of  firing  on 
his  men.  Drawing  his  pistol,  he  was  approaching  this  soldier  with 
a  view  of  engaging  in  combat  with  him,  when  he  fell  to  the  ground, 
himself  pierced  with  a  pistol  ball. 

The  Confederates  having  quickly  overcome  their  bold  assailants 
by  killing  and  wounding  nearly  the  entire  band,  approached  their 
loved  commander  to  find  him  well  nigh  in  the  agonies  of  death 
from  his  mortal  wound.  Tenderly  and  lovingly  his  sorrowing  sol- 
diers raised  him  and  bore  him  across  the  river,  carrying  him  on 
that  day  seven  miles,  and  the  following  day  fifteen  miles,  to  the 
residence  of  Mr.  Boyd  at  Bunker  Hill,  near  Martinsburg.       / 

With  ffreat  fortitude  and  Christian  resignation  he  bore  his  suf- 
fering  until  the  end  came,  when,  on  the  17th  day  of  July,  at 
twenty-five  minutes  past  six  o'clock  in  the  morning,  the  spirit  of 
this  knightly  soldier,  this  unselfish  patriot,  this  true  son  of  North 
Carolina,  this  pure  and  spotless  Christian,  winged  its  flight  to  the 
God  that  gave  it. 

Wrapped  in  the  flag  he  had  striven  so  hard,  from  a  sincere  con- 
viction of  duty  to  defend,  his  body  was  borne  to  the  Capitol  of 
his  loved  State,  and  in  the  old  cemetery  of  that  city  it  was  de- 
posited with  the  most  distinguished  civic  and  military  honors  his 
countrymen  could  bestow. 

In  the  autumn  of  1866  his  remains  were  removed  to  the  family 
cemetery  at  Bonarva,  Lake  Scuppernong,  and  there  to-day,  by  the 
side  of  those  who  were  nearest  and  dearest  to  him,  amid  the 
mournful  sighing  of  the  cypress  and  the  pine,  on  the  shores  of 
the  beautiful  lake  whose  plashing 'waves  made  music  to  his  ear  in 
his  childhood  days,  rest  the  mortal  remains  of  James  Johnston 
Pettigrew. 

Ladies  of  the  New  Bern  Memorial  Association,  I  have  en- 
deavored to  respond  to  your  invitation.     That  I  have  done  so  in 


<*?: 


GEN.  JAMES  JOHNSTON  PETTIGREW.  25 

the  most  imperfect  manner  I  am  painfully  conscious.  Nothing  but 
my  love  and  veneration  for  the  distinguished  soldier  and  patriot, 
to  whose  memory  you  have  dedicated  the  services  of  this  day, 
and  my  high  appreciation  of  the  compliment  paid  me  in  selecting 
me  as  your  orator  on  this  occasion,  could  have  induced  me  to  un- 
dertake an  address  upon  the  life  and  character  of  one  who,  as  a 
youthful  student,  received  the  endorsement  of  "excellent"  from\ 
the  faculty  of  North  Carolina's  time-honored  University ;  who  as 
a  scientist  was  at  the  early  age  of  nineteen  the  chosen  companion 
of  the  illustrious  Maury ;  who,  as  a  scholar  and  an  author,  had 
mastered  eight  languages ;  as  a  legislator,  was  pronounced  by  the 
most  eminent  of  his  associates  as  the  coming  man  in  a  State  that 
had  produced  a  Calhoun ;  as  a  soldier,  ranked  among  the  bravest 
and  the  best  in  an  army  whose  heroism  had  excited  the  admiration 
of  the  world ;  and  of  whom,  as  a  dying  Christian,  it  was  said  by 
one  of  the  most  distinguished  Bishops  of  the  Episcopal  Church, 
that  in  a  ministry  of  nearly  thirty  years  he  had  never  witnessed 
a  more  sublime  example  of  Christian  resignation  and  hope  in 
death. 

In  conclusion,  permit  me  to  say  that  I  should  consider  my  mis- 
ion  of  to-day  still  more  imperfectly  performed,  if  I  did  not  at- 
tempt a  tribute  to  those  noble  soldiers  whose  memories  New 
Bern  will  ever  delight  to  honor ;  those  of  her  own  sons  who 
went  forth  to  battle,  and  to  those  other  brave  spirits  who  found  a 
last-resting  place  here  in  your  midst,  and  in  commemoration  of 
whose  valor  your  beautiful  monument  has  been  erected. 

I  call  the  roll  of  New  Bern's  heroes,  but  there  are  many,  alas ! 
who  cannot  answer  to  their  names. 

Where  are  Mayhew,  Brookfield,  Dewey,  Malone,  Robinson,  Cook, 
Carter,  Dixon,  Duguid,  Attmore,  Hall,  Hyman,  Johnson,  Han- 
cock, Benjamin,  Frederick  Cherry,  Cowling,  Dix,  Roberts,  Koonce, 
Coart,  Herritage,  McLacklan,  Bryan,  Bernard,  and  Monday? 
They,  too,  laid  down  their  lives  on  the  field  of  battle,  and  so  long 
as  patriotic  purpose  and  unselfish  sacrifice  for  one's  country  shall 
be  considered  the  attributes  of  American  freemen,  so  long  will 
the  memories  of  these  patriots  be  honored  in  this  community. 

The  world's  history  furnishes  no  nobler  instance  of  patriotic 
response  to  earnest  conviction  of  duty  than  was  illustrated  by 
that  outpouring  of  the   young  men  of  the  South  in   1861,  of 


26  ADDRESS  ON  THE  LIFE  AND  SERVICES  OF 

which  the  action  of  these  brave  men  of  New  Bern  was  a  fair 
example. 

I  trust  in  this  connection  I  may  be  pardoned  if  I  borrow  the 
language  of  that  eminent  South  Carolinian,  the  eloquent  Trescott, 
himself  the  biographer  of  the  noble  Pettigrew,  who  says : 

"  Never  in  the  history  of  the  world  lias  there  been  a  nobler  re- 
sponse to  a  more  thoroughly  recognized  duty ;  nowhere  anything 
more  truly  glorious  than  this  outburst  of  the  youth  and  manhood 
of  the  South.  And  now  that  the  end  has  come,  and  we  have  seen 
it,  it  seems  to  me  that  to  a  man  of  humanity,  I  care  not  in  what 
section  his  sympathies  may  have  been  nurtured,  there  never  has 
been  a  sadder  or  sublimer  spectacle  than  these  earnest  and  de- 
voted men,  their  young  and  vigorous  columns  marching  through 
Richmond  to  the  Potomac,  like  the  combatants  of  ancient  Rome, 
beneath  the  imperial  throne  in  the  amphitheatre,  and  exclaiming 
with  uplifted  arms,  '  Mbriturl  te  salutant? 

"Their  leaf  has  perished  in  the  green, 

And  while  we  breathe  beneath  the  sud, 
The  world  vhich  credits  what  is  done 
Is  cold  to  all  that  might  have  been." 

"  Of  the  great  men  of  this  civil  war  history  will  take  care.  The 
issues  were  too  high,  the  struggle  too  famous,  the  consequences 
too  vast  for  them  to  be  forgotten.  But  as  for  those  of  whom  I 
speak,  if  the  State  is  indeed  the  mother  whom  they  so  fondly 
loved,  she  will  never  forget  them.  She  will  speak  of  them  in  a 
whisper,  if  it  must  be,  but  in  tones  of  love  that  will  live  through 
all  these  dreary  days.  From  among  the  children  who  survive  to 
her,  her  heart  will  yearn  for  ever  toward  the  early  lost.  The 
noble  enthusiasm  of  their  youth,  the  vigorous  promise  of  their 
manhood,  their  imperfect  and  unrecorded  achievement,  the  pity 
of  their  deaths,  will  so  consecrate  their  memories  that,  be  the  revo- 
lutions of  laws  and  institutions  what  they  may,  the  South  will, 
living,  cherish  with  a  holier  and  stronger  love,  and,  dying,  if  die 
she  must,  will  murmur  with  her  latest  breath  the  names  of  the 
'  Confederate  dead.' " 


GEN.  JAMES  JOHNSTON  PETTIGREW.  27 

At  the  conclusion  of  the  oration,  Chief -Marshal  E.  M.  Dnguid 
formed  the  large  procession  of  ex-Confederate  soldiers,  citizens, 
the  little  firemen,  and  the  Graded  School,  all  preceded  by  the  Silver 
Cornet  Band,  and  proceeded  to  Cedar  Grove  Cemetery.  A  circle 
was  formed  around  the  monument,  and  the  choir  sang  "  Tenting 
on  the  Old  Camp  Ground " ;  after  which  Rev.  L.  C.  Vass,  for- 
merly the  Chaplain  of  the  Twenty-seventh  Virginia  Regiment,. 
Stonewall  Brigade,  and  now  pastor  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in 
New  Bern,  delivered  the  dedicatory  address  that  follows. 


•**; 


ADDRESS 

ON 

UNVEILING  THE  CONFEDERATE  MONUMENT, 

BY 

Rev.  L.  C.  VASS,  A.  M.,  New  Bern,  N.  C, 

Monday,  May  11,  1885. 


THIS  morning  I  was  asked  by  the  ladies  of  the  Memorial 'Asso- 
ciation to  offer  some  remarks  on  the  unveiling  of  the  statue 
dedicated  to  the  memory  of  the  Confederate  dead.  I  obey  the  sudden 
summons,  as  a  loyal  knight  to  female  power.  What  disappoint- 
ment and  shame  would  sadden  our  world  and  our  hearts,  were  it 
not  for  woman's  cheerful  and  unwearied  energy  and  perseverance ! 
A  most  happy  illustration  of  this  is  before  us  to-day  in  this  statue, 
about  to  be  unveiled  in  our  presence,  through  the  tireless  and 
often  discouraged  labors  of  the  New  Bern  Ladies'  Memorial  So- 
ciety. For  many  years  they  have  wrought  on  this  work,  so  needed 
in  its  objects  and  its  subjects.  This  day  sees  the  accomplishment 
of  long  desires. 

A  Sorrow. 

One  sorrow  clouds  the  sunshine  of  our  joy.  Yet  that  is  not 
unrelieved.  She,  whose  earnest  energies  and  warm  heart  were 
enlisted  in  this  enterprise,  as  the  active  President  of  this  Memo- 
rial Society  from  its  beginning,  is  sleeping  with  those  whose  fame 
she  toiled  to  commemorate.  But  just  before  she  left  us,  a  sweet 
gleam  of  satisfaction  rested  upon  her  face  and  heart,  as  she  was 
told  that  the  statue  was  in  its  place  on  its  pedestal.  As  she  com- 
muned in  soul,  in  this  supreme  hour,  with  her  God,  she  was 
glad  that  her  long  labors  were  herein  crowned  with  success.  When 
we  unveil  this  statue  to-day,  it  will  stand  a  monument,  not  only 
to  the  gallant  soldiers,  but  also  a  monument  to  the  loving  zeal  of 
the  honored  leader  of  the  Memorial  Association,  the  late  Presi- 
dent Elizabeth  Batchelor  Daves. 


address  on  unveiling  the  confederate  monument.         29 

National  Honors. 

It  is  an  honor  to  celebrate  the  fame  of  the  noble.  A  good 
name  is  a  coveted  inheritance.  It  surely  is  a  supreme  satisfac- 
tion, not  only  not  to  be  ashamed  of  our  ancestors,  but  to  be  able 
to  point  to  their  worth  with  confidence,  to  live  in  their  reflected 
light,  and  to  be  elevated  in  sentiment  and  life  by  imitation  of 
their  distinguished  achievements. 

So  nations  have  ever  rightly  delighted  to  honor  their  worthy 
sons.  With  wonder  and  admiration  have  I  gazed  on  that  Colossal 
Lion — cut  with  rare  sculptor's  skill  in  the  solid  face  of  a  rocky 
cliff  in  Switzerland — by  that  genius  of  the  chisel,  Thorwaldsen. 
There  lies  the  dying  king  of  animals,  pierced  by  the  broken  but 
fatal  spear,  with  defiance  in  his  speaking  face,  as  with  an  echoing 
roar  he  lays  his  mighty  paw  on  the  shield,  bearing  the  lilies  of 
France.  Thus  significantly  he  perpetuates  the  unshrinking  fidel- 
ity of  that  Spartan  band  of  Swiss  soldiers,  who,  when  all  others 
deserted  the  King  of  France,  rallied  as  his  trusted  body  guard 
around  him,  and  arms  in  hand,  died  in  honor. 

So  one  stands  in  mute  musing,  amazement  and  satisfaction 
juicer  the  gilded  dome,  surrounded  by  the  rare  frescoes,  polished 
marble  and  granite  and  speaking  bronze,  of  the  tomb  of  Napo- 
leon in  the  Hotel  des  Invalides,  and  there  honors  the  mindful  de- 
votion of  a  nation  to  a  dead  chieftain,  who  crowned  them  with 
fadeless  glory. 

So  everywhere,  in  the  marts  of  commerce,  or  in  holy  temples, 
or  in  the  cities  of  the  dead, — the  Pere  le  Chaises,  Laurel  Hills, 
Greenwoods,  and  the  Cedar  Groves, — we  found  lasting  memorials 
to  those  whose  name  and  fame  we  will  not  willingly  let  die. 

Oor  Testimonial. 
To-day,  then,  with  equal  pride  and  pleasure  we  rejoice,  that  in 
our  poverty,  but  in  our  honor,  we  are  come  to  offer  a  fitting  tes- 
timonial to  the  memory  of  the  true  and  the  brave,  who  at  their 
country's  call  hasted  to  the  fray,  and  endured  to  the  death. 

"In  the  fair  South-Land,  where  the  red  rose  blooms, 

And  the  violet  scents  the  breeze, 
Where  the  dark  pines'  bending,  swaying  plumes 

Eise  o'er  the  nodding  trees ; 
Where  cottages  'mid  the  gray  woodbine, 


30  ADDRESS  ON  UNVEILING  THE  CONFEDERATE  MONUMENT. 

The  jasmine-buds  and  the  arbute-vine, 

Gleamed  bright  in  the  South-Land's  summer  shine, 

"The  rumble  of  war  swelled  over  the  land, 

The  roll  of  the  stirring  drum, 
And  the  shrill  fife  pealed  from  cliff  to  strand, 

And  died  in  a  solemn  hum  ! 
The  din  of  the  battle-jar  in  the  air, 
Aud  the  torch  of  Mars,  with  its  crimson  flare, 
Were  heard  and  seen  o'er  the  fields  so  fair." 

Then  the  fields  grew  red,  and  the  homes  grew  still ; 

For  the  boys  in  gray  lie  dead ; — 
Our  hopes  were  all  withered,  our  hearts  were  chill, 

As  we  wept  o'er  their  gory  bed, — 
But  nature  has  gemmed  her  mantle  of  green, 
Aud  covered  their  homes  with  the  flowery  sheen, — 
While  God  our  comfort  and  stay  hath  been. 

In  the  spring-tide  of  this  glorious  light,  on  this  radiant  after- 
noon, this  monument  is  placed  here  with  its  marble  soldier — his 
rifle  grounded — to  celebrate  and  honor  for  ever  the  worthy  deeds 
of  our  gallant  dead,  Confederate  warriors. 

This  illustrious  host  is  led  by  him  whom  the  10th  of  May 
always  calls  to  mind.  In  the  far  off  northern  Denmark  I  was 
both  surprised  and  glad  to  hear  the  sentiment — coming  too  from 
the  Royal  Court — that  in  studying  the  records  of  the  late  sad 
conflicts  in  our  land,  the  greatest  of  all  the  military  chieftains 
was  our  own  loved  "  Stonewall  Jackson/' 

Salutation. 
And  now  evil  passions  are  beginning  to  be  laid  to  rest,  and 
friend  and  foe  are  joining  in  admiring  true  courage  and  devotion 
to  duty.  So  we  gladly  and  fitly  uncover  our  Memorial  Statue  to 
public  gaze  and  to  history,  in  honor  of  the  brave  who  sleep  in 
their  last  bivouac — in  the  camping  ground  of  stainless  fame.  As 
these  noble  ladies  of  the  New  Bern  Memorial  Association  now 
unveil  this  monument  dedicated  to  heroes,  let  these  shot-torn  bat- 
tle flags  wave  their  salute,  and  let  glad  shouts  arise  from  every 
tongue;  and  let  us  cherish  ever,  and  proclaim  the  virtues  of  our 
Confederate  brothers,  soldiers,  patriots ! 


unveiling  the  confederate  monument.  31 

The  Unveiling. 
At  the  close  of  this  address,  Mrs.  L.  C.  Vass,  Vice-President  of 
the  Memorial  Association,  by  the  movement  of  a  cord,  unveiled 
before  the  assemblage  the  hidden  statue,  and  the  splendid  effigy  of 
the  brave  and  true  Confederate  stood  forth  in  heaven's  sunlight, 
on  his  eternal  watch  over  the  bivouac  of  kindred  heroes.  In 
memory  of  God's  kind  providences,  the  great  assembly  united  in 
singing  the  doxology — "  Praise  God  from  whom  all  blessings 
flow." 

POEM. 

The  following  poem,  written  for  the  occasion  by  Mrs.  Mary 
Bayard  Clarke,  was  then  read  by  her  son,  Mr.  W.  E.  Clarke : 

"DUX  FCEMINA  FACTr." 

"On  Fame's  eternal  ciniping  ground" 

A  sentinel  now  takes  his  stand, 
To  guard  his  comrades'  dreamless  sleep 

Until  relieved  by  Time's  command. 

But — though  this  soldier  carved  in  stone 

May  slowly  crumble  and  decay, — 
For  "earth  to  earth  and  dust  to  dust" 

Material  things  all  pass  away  : 

Yet,  Love,  like  Truth,  can  never  die ; 

And  'graved  on  Time's  historic  page, 
The  memory  of  our  soldiers'  deeds 

Shall  live  undimmed  from  age  to  age. 

By  woman's  hand  'tis  written  there. 

"Our  dead  sha'l  live,"  she  said, 
And  placed  her  sentinel  above 

The  grave  of  the  Confed'rate  dead. 

Stand  there,  O  effigy  in  stone  ! 

To  guard  'gainst  time's  corroding  dust 
The  sacred  mem'ries  of  the  past 

Confided  to  your  silent  trust. 

The  benediction  was  then  pronounced  by  Rev.  Mr.  Shields,  and 
quietly  mound  and  graves  were  covered  with  beautiful  flowers, 
betokening  the  perennial  fragrance  and  honor  of  noble  lives  and 
deeds. 


32  unveiling  the  confederate  monument. 

Conclusion. 

Thus  has  been  happily  concluded  this  part  of  the  Association's 
aims,  in  a  manner  alike  creditable  to  them  and  honoring  to  the 
dead.  It  remains  for  them  suitably  to  enclose  and  adorn  their 
grounds.  New  members  and  further  work  are  needful  for  these 
ends. 

During  its  existence  the  Association  has  aided  kindred  societies 
and  work,  viz. :  Stonewall,  at  Winchester,  Va.,  and  Hollywood,  at 
Richmond,  ^a. ;  the  removal  of  North  Carolina's  dead  from  Get- 
tysburg, and  erecting  a  sarcophagus  over  that  great  and  good 
General,  Robert  E.  Lee,  at  Lexington,  Va. 

President,     ....         Mrs.  John  Hughes. 

(  Mrs.  M.  McK.  Nash. 
Vice-Presidents,    . 

(  Mrs.  L.  C.  Vass. 

Secretary,     ....         Mrs.  Nannie  D.  McLean. 

Treasurer,    ....         Mrs.  George  Allen. 

Its  noble  work  has  the  hearty  approbation  of  the  living,  and 
should  receive  their  generous  support.  It  will  be  crowned  by  the 
future  with  sincere  gratitude  and  ceaseless  benedictions. 


LIBRARY. 


no-Z 


Governor  (Beorge  Burrfngton, 


.  .  of  the  .  . 


Colony  of  IHortb  Carolina, 


GOVERNOR 

George  Burrington, 

WITH   AN 

ACCOUNT  OF   HIS  OFFICIAL   ADMINISTRATIONS 

IN   THE 

COLONY  OF   NORTH   CAROLINA 

1724—1725, 

1731—1734. 


BY 

Marshall  DeLancey   Haywood, 

MEMBER  SOUTHERN   HISTORY  ASSOCIATION,  Etc. 


PAPER,  8vo.,  34  PP.,  WITH  BURRINGTON  COAT-OF-ARMS. 


Gov.  Burrington 's  eventful  career  is  one  of  absorbing  interest  to 
students  of  colonial  history. 

The  above  work  is  a  carefully  written  and  handsomely  printed 
account  of  his  administrations,  which  gives  first  authentic  relation  of 
his  mysterious  death  in  1759. 


FOR  SALE,  AT  50  CENTS  PER  COPY, 

BY 

ALFRED    WILLIAMS   &>   CO., 

Booksellers  and  Stationers, 

RALEIGH,  N.  C. 


GOVERNOR 


George  Burrington, 

( ]  -  nsi) 

WITH    AN  V 

ACCOUNT  OF  HIS  OFFICIAL  ADMINISTRATIONS 


COLONY  OF  NORTH  CAROLINA, 

1724-1725, 
1731-1734. 


Marshall  DeLancey   Haywood, 


MEMBER  SOUTHERN  HISTORY  ASSOCIATION,  Etc. 


RALEIGH,  N.  C. : 

Edwards  &  Broughton,  Printers  and  Binders. 

1896. 


"  His  virtues  were  his  own,  and  his  vices  were  but  too  common  in 
the  times  in  which  he  lived. ' ' 


COPYRIGHT   BY   THE    AUTHOR, 
1896. 


INTRODUCTORY  NOTE. 


This  brief  narration  of  a  remarkable  career  may  not 

be  devoid  of  interest  to  North  Carolinians  and  students 

of  colonial  history  in  general.     In  it,  I  have  sought  to 

gather  such  information  as  could  be  found  in  the  official 

records,  and  elsewhere,  concerning  Governor  Burring- 

Ton.     His  life,  character,  services  to  the  province,  and 

the  true  circumstances  of  his  mysterious  death   have 

never  before  been  set  forth  in  the  form  of  a  separate 

sketch. 

M.  DEL.  H. 

Raleigh,  N.  C,  September,  1896. 


■If 


Governor  Burrington. 


WITH  AN  ACCOUNT  OF  HIS  OFFICIAL  ADMINISTRA- 
TIONS IN  THE  COLONY  OF  NORTH  CAROLINA. 


(Wsc 


EORGE  BURRINGTON,  twice  Governor  of 
\mJ_  North  Carolina, — first  for  the  Lords  Proprietors 
and  then  under  the  King — was  an  Englishman  by  birth 
and  hailed  from  a  locality  which,  long  before  his  day, 
had  been  most  prolific  of  the  bold  spirits  whose  names 
are  so  closely  linked  with  the  exploration  and  settlement 
of  the  New  World.  To  quote  the  language  of  a  gifted 
novelist,  "  It  was  the  men  of  Devon,  the  Drakes  and 
Hawkins,  Gilberts  and  Raleighs,  Grenvilles  and  Oxen- 
hams,  and  a  host  more  of  'forgotten  worthies',  whom 
we  shall  learn  one  day  to  honor  as  they  deserve,  to  whom 
England  owes  her  commerce,  her  colonies,  her  very  ex- 
istence."* In  common  with  England,  North  Carolina 
has  already  learned  to  honor  the  greatest  of  these  wor- 
thies, and  the  State  Capital  stands  as  a  lasting  memo- 
rial of  her  gratitude  to  Sir  Walter  Raleigh,  under  whose 
patronage  the  first  English  settlement  in  America  was 
made,  in  1584. 

It  was  about  a  century  after  the  colonists,  sent  out  by 
Raleigh,  had  mysteriously  disappeared,  and  when  their 
fortress  on  the  coast  of  Carolina  was  a  deserted  ruin, 
that  Burrington  first  saw  the  light.  The  exact  place 
and  date  of  his  birth  have  not  been  ascertained  ;  but  as 
he  was  a  resident  of  Devon,  when  appointed,  and  came 


*  Charles  Kingsley,  "  Westward  Ho  !  " 


of  Devonshire  ancestry,  the  presumption  is  that  he  was 
a  native  of  that  countjr.  As  to  the  time,  it  must  have 
been  as  early  as  1685,  for  if  Burrington's  service  in  Eng- 
land commenced,  (as  he  said  it  did),  during  the  reign 
of  King  William,  which  ended  in  1702,  the  difference 
between  those  dates  would  make  him  seventeen  years 
old  at  the  beginning  of  such  service,  even  if  he  was  not 
born  at  an  earlier  period  than  that  estimated,  as  may 
well  have  been  the  case.  If  only  seventeen,  his  first 
employment  was  doubtless  in  a  military  capacity  ;  and, 
according  to  the  above  conjecture,  as  to  age,  he  was 
about  thirty-five  or  forty  when  he  came  to  America,  in 

1724. 

The  Burrington  family  was  seated  at  Ideford,  in  the 
parish  of  Chudleigh,  Devon,  about  the  beginning  of  the 
seventeenth  century,  if  not  earlier,  and  is  mentioned  in 
the  herald's  visitation  for  1620.  From  Mr.  Arthur  A. 
Burrington,  a  present  member  of  the  family  who  resides 
near  Hampton  Wick,  in  Middlesex,  England,  the  writer 
learns  that  Governor  Burrington  was  a  son  of  Gilbert 
Burrington.  But,  as  there  were  several  members  of 
the  family  at  different  times,  who  bore  that  name,  a  pa- 
tient research  has,  thus  far,  failed  to  clearly  distinguish 
them.  One  of  these  was  Gilbert  Burrington  of  Jewes- 
Hollecoinbe,  in  the  parish  of  Crediton,  a  gentleman  of 
some  note,  who  inherited  several  manorial  estates  in  the 
adjoining  county  of  Cornwall,  from  his  kinsman,  Thomas 
Burrington  of  Sandford,  in  1657.  A  second  Thomas 
Burrington,  who  was  the  son  of  this  Gilbert,  served  un- 
der King  William  in  the  Low  Countries  and  made  his 
will  at  the  memorable  siege  of  Namur,  in  1695,  whereby 
it  was  agreed  with  a  brother  officer  that,  should  either 
be  slain,  the  survivor  was  to  receive  the  tents,  pistols, 


and  other  military  equipages,  left  by  the  deceased  in 
Flanders.  There  were  several  other  members  of  the  fam- 
ily who  rendered  service  to  the  Whig  cause  and  also  ap- 
pear to  have  been  sons  of  Gilbert.  One  of  these,  Major 
Charles  Burrington,  is  accredited  by  English  historians 
with  having  been  the  first  gentleman  who  adhered  to 
William  the  Third — then  Prince  of  Orange — when 
Great  Britain  was  invaded  at  the  beginning  of  the  Revo- 
lution of  1688.*  Another,  John  Burrington,  was  Mem- 
ber of  Parliament  from  Oakhampton,  Devon,  and  Com- 
missioner in  the  Vitualling  Office,  or  Commissary. 

In  Williamson's  History  of  North  Carolina,  cited 
hereafter,  it  is  stated  that  George  Burrington  received 
his  appointment  as  an  acknowledgement  of  some  ser- 
vice rendered  by  his  father  to  George  the  First,  at  the 
time  of  that  monarch's  accession.  If  this  be  true,  the 
Governor  was  not  a  son  of  the  Gilbert  Burrington,  to 
whom  we  have  referred,  for  that  gentleman  died  prior 
to  1696,  and  King  George  ascended  the  throne  in  17 15. 
It  is  possible,  however,  that  the  historian  confused  the 
services  of  the  family,  and  supposed  that  the  debt  of 
gratitude  was  due  Burrington's  father  individually.  Or, 
it  may  be  that  the  parent  in  question  was  a  Gilbert  Bur- 
rington, the  younger,  of  Jewes-Hollecombe.  There  was 
a  Captain  Gilbert  Burrington,  of  the  Royal  Navy,  but 
he  died  about  1702.  In  any  event,  it  is  of  little  impor- 
tance whether  these  gentlemen  belonged  to  the  Gov- 
ernor's immediate  family,  or  whether  they  were  more 
distantly  related.  And  whether  other  members  of  the 
connection,  than  those  already  mentioned,  were  adhe- 


*  Sir  James  Mackintosh's  History  of  the  Revolution  of  1688,  ch.  xv ; 
Hume's  History  of  England,  ch.  lxxi ;  Macaulay's  History  of  England,  ch. 
ix  ;  etc.,  etc. 


8 


rents  of  the  House  of  Orange  is  difficult  to  learn  5 
though  it  is  by  no  means  improbable  that  Governor  Bur- 
rington,  himself,  was  in  the  army  at  a  later  period,  as 
he  was  often  referred  to  as  Captain  Burrington,  and  it 
will  be  seen  hereafter  that,  in  writing  of  his  family's 
loyalty,  he  boasted  of  having  served  the  Crown  in  every 
reign  after  the  abdication  of  King  James. 

It  may  also  be  of  interest  to  note,  ere  proceeding  with 
our  narrative,  that,  in  the  seventeenth  century,  there 
was  an  American  family  of  Burrington,  in  the  colony  of 
Rhode  Island  ;  *  but,  whether  it  was  descended  from  the 
Burrington's  of  Devon,  does  not  appear. 

And  now,  confining  this  sketch  to  the  colonial  career 
of  our  subject, — about  which  there  is  no  uncertainty — 
we  learn  from  the  Royal  Council  Journals  that  on  Feb- 
ruary 26th,  1723,  King  George  the  First  signified  his  ap- 
probation of  the  appointment,  by  the  Lords  Proprietors, 
of  George  Burrington,  of  Devonshire,  Great  Britain, 
as  Governor  of  their  Province  of  North  Carolina,  in 
America.  The  latter  was  thereupon  required  to  give 
bond  for  the  faithful  discharge  of  the  duties  of  said  of- 
fice, which  he  did,  with  Nicholas  Vincent,  of  Truro,  in 
Cornwall,  and  Dennis  Bond,  of  Grange,  in  Dorsetshire, 
as  his  sureties.f  As  early  as  the  29th  of  May,  1723, 
before  leaving  England,  he  joined  Chief  Justice  Gale, 
and  Secretary  Lovick,  in  securing  a  lease  of  the  fishe- 
ries of  the  Colony. J  This  conveyance,  signed  by  the 
Lords  Proprietors  and  stamped  with  their  armorial  seals, 
is  now  framed  and  preserved  in  the  State  Library,  at 
Raleigh,  North  Carolina. 

*See  Genealogical  Dictionary  of  Rhode  Island,  by  John  Osborne  Austin, 
p.  33 ;  also  Colonial  Records  of  Rhode  Island. 

f  Colonial  Records  of  North  Carolina,  Vol.  II,  p.  480,  481. 
J  Col.  Records  of  N.  C,  Vol.  II,  p.  490. 


On  the  3rd  of  June,  1723,  the  Proprietors  sent  a  com- 
munication to  the  members  of  the  Council  and  of  the 
House  of  Assembly,  in  Carolina,  advising  them  of  Bur- 
rington's  appointment  and  commending  the  new  Gov- 
ernor to  their  good  offices  as  a  gentleman  of  whose  in- 
clinations to  their  service,  and  hearty  desire  for  the  wel- 
fare of  the  Colony,  in  general,  their  Lordships  were  well 
convinced.  At  the  same  time,  Edward  Moseley,  Sur- 
veyor General,  was  directed  to  apportion,  in  fee  simple, 
for  his  use,  two  thousand  acres  of  land.* 

From  the  Journal  of  a  Council,  held  at  Edenton,  the 
capital  of  the  Colony,  on  the  15th  of  January,  1724,  it 
appears  that  Burrington  presented  himself  before  the 
Board,  and  exhibited  the  credentials,  whereby  he  was, 
"  Commissionated  and  appointed  Governor  General  and 
Admiral  of  the  Province."  He  was  accordingly  sworn 
in,  and  at  once  assumed  his  executive  functions.f 

From  the  outset  of  his  administration,  the  Governor 
encountered  opposition  to  his  proper  authority,  as  well 
as  arbitrary  demands.  When  an  official  order  was  sent 
by  him  to  William  Reed,  his  prede/essor  as  Chief  Exec- 
utive (President  of  the  Council,  ad  interim),  the  latter 
became  so  indignant,  at  being  deprived  of  the  govern- 
ment, that  he  returned  the  communication,  with  com- 
ments not  altogether  refined,  for  which  he  was  indicted.  J 
He  was  also  known  to  state,  upon  alleged  hearsay,  that 
Burrington  had  been  in  prison,  before  leaving  England, 
for  beating  an  old  woman.  Historians,  in  later  years, 
have  given  the  old  woman  incident  as  a  fact,  but  cite  no 
authorities.     Another  indictment  was  found  against  one 


*Col.  Records  of  N.  C,  Vol.  II,  489,  491. 
fCol.  Records  of  N.  C,  Vol.  II,  p.  515. 
%  Col.  Records  of  N.  C,  Vol.  II.,  p.  542. 


IO 


Joseph  Castleton,  for  volunteering  the  opinion  that  His 
Excellency  was  "a  damnd  Rogue  &  villain  and  that 
there  was  not  a  worse  Rogue  &  villain  in  the  world." 
Castleton  plead  guilty,  and  was  sentenced  to  stand  in 
the  pillory,  on  the  public  parade  of  Kdenton,  for  two 
hours,  and  to  beg  pardon,  on  his  knees,  for  the  offence.* 
With  the  terms  of  this  judgment  he  afterwards  com- 
plied, and  was  thereupon  liberated  and  sent  on  his  way 
— a  less  talkative,  if  not  a  wiser,  man. 

In  the  year  1724,  Chief  Justice  Gale  visited  England, 
for  the  purpose  of  preferring  charges  against  the  Gov- 
ernor, who,  it  was  alleged,  had  hindered  him  in  the  ex- 
ercise of  his  judicial  duties  and  threatened  his  life.  As 
the  unanimous  verdict  of  history  places  the  character  of 
the  Chief  Justice  beyond  reproach,  the  statements,  con- 
cerning Burrington's  personal  violence,  were  unques- 
tionably true,  though  the  official  administration  of  the 
latter,  even  at  the  time  of  his  removal,  received  the  en- 
dorsement of  the  Assembly.  From  the  depositions  pre- 
sented by  Gale,  it  appeared  that,  soon  after  reaching 
North  Carolina,  the  Governor  had  given  out  repeated 
threats  against  him,  saying  that  he  would  slit  his  nose, 
crop  his  ears,  and  lay  him  in  irons ;  that  afterwards  he 
had  insulted  him  in  open  court,  and  furthermore  at- 
tempted to  enter  his  house,  "  but  finding  he  could  not 
break  open  the  door,  he  broke  the  window  all  to  pieces, 
cursing  and  threatning  him  in  a  grievous  manner, 
swearing  a  great  many  oaths,  that  he  would  lay  him  by 
the  heels,  nay  would  have  him  by  the  throat,  speedily, 
and  burn  his  house  or  blow  it  up  with  gun-powder." f 
As  might  be  supposed,  these  charges — substantiated,  as 

*Col.  Records  of  N.  C,  Vol.  II.,  pp.  526,  546. 

t  Col.  Records  of  N.  C,  Vol.  II.,  pp.  559,  560,  561. 


II 


they  were,  by  seven  members  of  the  Provincial  Council 
— were  considered  by  the  Proprietors  just  cause  for  the 
removal  of  Burrington.  He  was  accordingly  displaced, 
and  succeeded  by  Sir  Richard  Kverard,  of  Much  Wal- 
tham,  Essex,  an  English  baronet,  who  took  the  oath  of 
office  on  the  17th  of  July,  1725.*  Burrington  was  then 
absent,  on  a  visit  to  South  Carolina  and  the  Cape  Fear  ; 
and,  on  the  3rd  of  April,  had  appointed  Edward  Mose- 
ley  to  administer  the  affairs  of  State  until  his  return.f 
The  Colonial  Assembly  met,  shortly  after  Everard's 
arrival,  at  Edenton.  In  an  address,  forwarded  by  the 
members  of  that  body  to  the  Lords  Proprietors,  they 
refer  to  the  "  great  happiness  which  the  Province  lately 
enjoy'd,"  under  Burrington,  and  the  inconvenience 
caused  by  "  the  Sudden  &  Unexpected  Change  which 
had  been  made  thro'  the  many  false  &  malicious  Calum- 
nies raised  against  that  gentleman  by  Persons  of  the 
most  Vile  Characters  as  well  as  Desperate  fortunes." 
The  address  further  enlarges  on  "  his  Carryage  &  beha- 
viour being  very  Affable  &  courteous,  his  Justice  very 
Exemplary  &  his  care  and  Industry  to  promote  the  In- 
terest &  welfare  of  the  Province  very  Eminent  &  Con- 
spicuous."! Two  of  the  members,  who  aided  in  draft- 
ing this  paper,  were  Edmund  Porter  and  John  Baptista 
Ashe  ;  but  when  their  affable  and  courteous  friend  was 
restored  to  them,  a  few  years  later,  it  was  not  long  before 
they,  too,  incurred  the  old  potentate's  enmity,  and  were 
denounced  as  ungrateful  villains,  who  strove,  by  false 
representations,  to  bring  his  administration  under  the 
King's  displeasure. 


*Col.  Records  of  N.  C,  Vol.  II.,  pp.  559,  566. 
t  Col.  Records  of  N.  C,  Vol.  II.,  p.  563. 
I  Col.  Records  of  N.  C,  Vol.  II.,  p.  577. 


12 


The  next  episode,  in  which  we  see  our  hero  recorded, 
is  a  controversy  between  Governor  Everard  and  the  Rev. 
Thomas  Bailey,  a  missionary  to  whom  Sir  Richard  had 
denied  the  use  of  the  public  house  of  worship,  in  Eden- 
ton.  It  was  through  his  attachment  for  the  preceding 
Governor  that  the  parson  had  fallen  into  disfavor  with 
Everard  ;  so,  upon  hearing  of  his  friend's  predicament, 
Burrington  aided  him  in  collecting  a  congregation, 
which  broke  in  the  door  of  the  Court  House,  where  the 
reverend  gentlemen  then  held  services  and  gave  the 
people  a  sermon.* 

In  denouncing  his  opponents,  Burrington's  statements 
are,  at  times,  too  extravagant  to  be  considered,  while,  on 
other  occasions,  we  find  him  pouring  forth  his  abuse  on 
those  who  richly  deserve  it.  He  was  never  actuated 
by  motives  of  policy.  As  Williamson  expresses  it, 
"  Whether  he  was  guided  by  irregular  passions,  or  by 
the  honest  contempt  for  villains,  he  conducted  himself 
with  such  a  want  of  prudence  as  to  increase  the  number 
of  his  enemies,  "f  From  his  attack  on  the  Gale  residence, 
it  has  already  been  seen  that  he  was  not  a  disciple  of 
Lord  Coke,  imbued  with  the  doctrine  that  "  a  man's 
house  is  his  castle,"  or,  if  so,  considered  it  a  castle  to 
which  he  was  at  liberty  to  lay  siege,  whenever  so  dis- 
posed ;  and  soon  we  find  him,  in  company  with  the  elder 
Cornelius  Harnett,  paying  the  compliments  of  the  sea- 
son to  Governor  Everard  in  like  manner.  "  I  want  sat- 
isfaction of  you,  therefore  come  out  and  give  it  to  me," 
he  called  to  Sir  Richard  ;  and,  upon  the  non-appearance 
of  that  gentleman,  proceeded  to  vent  his  wrath  in  a 
diversified  and  well-chosen  collection  of  profanity,  among 


*Col.  Records  of  N.  C,  Vol.  II.,  pp.  579,  604,  624. 

t  Williamson's  History  of  North  Carolina,  Vol.  II.,  p.  33. 


*3 

other  things  characterizing  him  as  a  calf's  head,  noodle, 
and  an  ape,  who  was  no  more  fit  to  be  Governor  than 
Sancho  Panza.  This  last  opinion,  says  a  modern  writer, 
was  also  entertained  by  better  men  than  George  Bur- 
rington.  After  relieving  his  feelings  in  the  manner  just 
described,  the  exasperated  ex-governor  next  turned  his 
attention  to  Thomas  Parris — a  native  of  Essex,  as  was 
Everard — and,  with  an  oath,  inquired  if  all  of  his  coun- 
trymen were  such  fools.  For  the  violence  displayed  on 
this  occasion,  bills  of  indictment  were  found  against 
Burrington,  and  prosecuted  by  William  Little,  Attorney 
General  of  the  Colony,  with  whom  he  afterwards  became 
reconciled  and  appointed  Chief  Justice,  during  his  second 
term  as  Governor.  Similar  bills  were  also  presented 
against  him  for  attacking  the  houses  of  two  other  col- 
onists,— to  one  of  whom  he  also  sent  a  challenge,  and 
swore  that  he  would  run  the  other  through  the  body 
with  his  sword.  Failing  to  appear,  in  answer  to  these 
charges,  the  cases  were  continued  for  several  terms  of 
court,  and  finally  brought  to  a  close  by  entry  of  nolle 
prosequi,  as  Burrington  left  Edenton  shortly  thereafter.* 
Notwithstanding  Burrington's  rough  exterior,  he 
seems  to  have  been  a  man  of  education  ;  and  the  sale  of 
his  books,  mentioned  in  a  letter  hereafter  quoted,  shows 
that  he  was  not  unprovided  with  literature  at  a  time 
when  libraries  were  few  and  scattered.  His  orthogra- 
phy, it  is  true,  would  horrify  a  modern  pedagogue :  but 
this  weakness  was  not  peculiar  to  himself;  for,  up  to 
the  nineteenth  century,  uniform  spelling  was  an  undis- 
covered art.  Some  knowledge,  too,  of  the  literary  pro- 
ductions then  in  existence,  is  shown  by  his  familiarity 
with  the  great  satire  of  Cervantes,  from  which  he  drew 

*Col.  Records  of  N.  C,  Vol.  II.,  pp.  647,  et  seq.,  817. 


H 

Everard's  counterpart,  when  he  compared  him  with  Don 
Quixote's  trusty  esquire. 

As  to  religion,  it  has  been  £aid  that  Burrington  was  a 
Churchman  in  theory,  though  not  in  practice.*  The 
latter  portion  of  this  statement,  at  least,  is  safe  from  con- 
tradiction by  those  who  have  studied  his  character,  for 
he  was  far  from  a  model  of  Christian  piety;  and,  when 
smitten  on  one  cheek,  was  not  likely  to  turn  the  other. 
In  fact,  he  had  a  fond  preference  for  smiting  first,  which 
was  usually  indulged  to  his  heart's  content. 

In  the  course  of  a  few  years,  the  proprietary  rights, 
held  by  English  noblemen  in  Carolina,  with  the  excep- 
tion of  Earl  Granville's  estate,  were  surrendered  to  the 
Crown,  whereby  the  colony  again- became  a  royal  domin- 
ion. This  afforded  Burrington  another  opportunity  to 
exercise  his  power,  through  influential  friends  at  Court, 
— notably  the  Duke  of  Newcastle, — in  again  obtaining 
control  of  the  provincial  government.  Chief  Justice 
Gale,  and  others  of  equal  prominence,  took  steps  to  pre- 
vent his  appointment,  but  without  avail.  His  commis- 
sion, as  Royal  Governor,  was  issued  on  January  15th, 

1730.  He  reached  Edenton  on  the  25th  of  February, 

1 73 1,  and  took  the  oath  of  office  on  the  day  of  his  arri- 
val.f 

A  glance  at  the  list  of  exploits,  recorded  in  this  sketch, 
naturally  leads  one  to  believe  that  Burrington  was  devoid 
of  executive  ability,  but  such  was  not  the  case. 

"  When  civil  dudgeon  first  grew  high, 
And  men  fell  out,  they  knew  not  why; 
When  foul  words,  jealousies,  and  fears, 
Set  folks  together  by  the  ears," 

he  was  in  his  native  element,  with  a  vocabulary  of  bil- 
lingsgate as  inexhaustible  in  volume  as  it  was  ludicrous 

*  Church  History  of  North  Carolina,  p.  103. 
tCol.  Records  of  N.  C,  Vol.  III.,  pp.  66,  142,  an. 


J5 

in  character.  And  again,  when  decked  in  his  war-paint, 
the  turbulent  old  gentleman  would  sometimes  startle 
his  neighborhood  in  a  manner  most  unbecoming  a  chief 
magistrate,  who  was  commissioned  to  enforce  the  law. 
But,  in  the  consideration  of  measures  for  the  develop- 
ment of  the  Colony,  and  particularly  in  carrying  them 
out,  he  displayed  sound  judgment  and  even  keen  fore- 
sight. One  of  his  chief  follies  was  the  deep-rooted  delu- 
sion that  no  one  could  oppose  him  through  proper  mo- 
tives. In  the  words  of  a  well-posted  historian  of  recent 
times,  "He  could  tolerate  no  opinion  that  was  not  in 
accord  with  his  own,  and  deemed  every  one  a  personal 
enemy,  if  not  a  villain,  who  differed  with  him."  *  Yet, 
with  all  his  faults  and  eccentricities,  there  was  no  one 
who  more  closely  studied  or  better  understood  the  char- 
acter of  the  colonists.  To  the  Lords  of  Trade  and  Plan- 
tations, he  wrote  :  "  The  Inhabitants  of  North  Carolina 
are  not  Industrious,  but  subtle  and  crafty  to  admiration  : 
allways  behaved  insolently  to  their  Governours ;  some 
they  have  Imprisoned,  drove  others  out  of  the  Country, 
at  other  times  sett  up  two  or  three  supported  by  Men 
under  Arms.  All  the  Governours  that  ever  were  in  this 
Province  lived  in  fear  of  the  People  (except  myself)  and 
dreaded  their  Assemblys.  The  People  are  neither  to  be 
cajoled  or  outwitted ;  whenever  a  Governour  attempts 
to  effect  anything  by  these  means,  he  will  lose  his  La- 
bour and  show  his  Ignorance."  f 

Among  other  complaints  against  Burrington,  was  one 
charging  him  with  having  had  a  poor  man  and  his  fam- 
ily, the  alleged  tenants  of  John  Porter,  driven  out  of 
doors,  under  distressing  circumstances,  and  then  causing 

♦Saunders'  prefatory  notes  to  Col.  Records  of  N.  C,  Vol.  III.,  p.  v. 
t  Col.  Records  of  N.  C,  Vol.  III.,  p.  338. 


i6 


their  dwelling  to  be  burned  to  the  ground.*  His  reply 
to  the  accusation,  (in  which  he  claimed  the  land  as  his 
own),  is  worthy  of  reproduction ;  for,  in  addition  to  giv- 
ing his  side  of  the  controversy,  it  serves  to  throw  some 
light  on  the  demeanor  exhibited  by  the  early  inhabitants 
toward  his  official  predecessors.  Referring  to  the  charge, 
he  says:  "During  the  time  I  remained  at  Cape  Fear, 
word  was  sent  me  that  Mr  John  Porter  would  raise  a  logg 
house  as  an  affront  to  me  on  my  Land,  upon  which  I 
gave  him  notice  that  if  he  did  I  should  cause  it  to  be 
fired.  Some  time  after  I  was  at  that  place,  and  finding 
a  logg  House  of  five  unbarked  green  pine  loggs  in 
height,  without  either  Chimney,  plaistring,  or  other 
labour  used  in  building  Houses,  I  ordered  my  Negros  to 
fire  the  covering  to  this  House  or  Hog  sty.  The  loggs 
being  quite  green  would  not  burn.  It  is  a  very  common 
Practice  for  the  People  in  this  Province  to  burn  their 
Houses,  as  being  a  cheaper  way  than  pulling  them 
down.  But  what  struck  most  upon  me  in  the  Affair  of 
this  Logg  House  was  the  fate  of  a  former  Governour, 
who  was  also  one  of  the  Lords  Proprietors  at  the  same 
time.  I  mean  Seth  Southwell  Esqre,  who  being  sur- 
prized on  his  own  Plantation  and  clapt  iuto  a  Logg 
House  by  the  late  Mr  Pollock  and  others,  was  there  kept 
Prisoner  until  he  renounced  the  Government  and  took 
and  subscribed  a  strange  oath,  too  long  to  be  here  in- 
certed.  It  is  not  unlikely  but  some  People  in  this  Coun- 
try might  have  the  same  intentions  to  me,  if  I  would 
have  suffered  the  Logg  House  to  have  remained  cov- 
ered." f  Judging  from  the  unpleasant  experience,  here 
related,  of  Mr.  Southwell — or  Sothel,  as  we  more  often 


*  Col.  Records  of  N.  C,  Vol.  III.,  362. 
t  Col.  Records  of  N.  C,  Vol.  III.,  p.  6r8. 


17 

find  it  written — it  would  appear  that,  for  once  in  his  life, 
Urmstone,  the  missionary,  was  guilty  of  telling  the 
truth,  when,  in  17 17,  he  wrote  home,  to  England,  that 
the  colonists  cared  no  more  for  a  Lord  Proprietor  than 
for  a  "ballad-singer."  More  than  one  hundred  years 
later,  the  historian  Bancroft  summed  up  the  whole  mat- 
ter, with  reference  to  North  Carolina,  in  these  words : 
"  Its  inhabitants  were  restless  and  turbulent  in  their 
imperfect  submission  to  a  government  imposed  on  them 
from  abroad  ;  the  administration  of  the  Colony  was  firm, 
humane,  and  tranquil,  when  they  were  left  to  take  care 
of  themselves.  Any  government  but  one  of  their  own 
institution  was  oppressive."  * 

Despite  the  grave  charges,  which  were  the  cause  of 
Burrington's  removal,  in  1725,  his  second  appointment, 
in  1730,  was  hailed  with  general  manifestations  of  ap- 
proval throughout  the  Colony,  notwithstanding  the  fact 
that  strenuous  efforts  had  been  made,  by  some,  to  prevent 
his  return  to  power.  The  Grand  Jury,  for  the  whole 
Province,  framed  an  address  of  thanks  to  the  King,  for 
the  thoughtfulness,  displayed  by  him,  in  the  selection 
of  their  former  Governor,  and  were  especially  compli- 
mentary to  Burrington,  for  the  generous  example  he 
had  set,  in  forgetting  all  past  differences,  of  a  personal 
character.f  The  members  of  the  Assembly,  also,  in  a 
document  of  the  same  nature,  were  equally  as  warm  in 
their  professions.  "  We  are  in  duty  bound,"  they  say, 
"  to  acknowledge  as  a  particular  mark  of  your  Indul- 
gence the  placing  over  us  His  Excellency  George  Bur- 
rington Esq™  Captain  General  and  Commander  in  Chief 
of  this  your  Province,  a  Person  who  by  his  Behaviour 

*Bancroft's  History  of  the  United  States  (1837),  Vol.  II.,  p.  158. 
fCol.  Records  of  N.  C,  Vol.  III.,  p.  134. 


i8 


during  the  time  he  governed  this  Province  for  the  Lords 
Proprietors  rendred  himself  very  agreeable  to  the  Peo- 
ple by  the  Great  Care  he  then  shewed  in  his  due  Admin- 
istration of  Justice  and  in  promoting  the  wellfare  of  this 
Province."  *  Governor  Burrington  was  not  backward 
in  his  acknowledgements,  but  declared  that  their  de- 
meanor to  him  had  been  so  full  of  respect  that  he  was 
at  loss  for  words  to  express  the  esteem  and  regard  he 
had  for  persons  of  such  great  worth  and  excellent  quali- 
fications, f  But  this  love  feast  was  of  short  duration. 
The  House  of  Burgesses,  or  Assembly,  passed  a  resolu- 
tion, requesting  that  a  proclamation  be  issued,  for  the 
suppression  of  an  evil  from  which  the  people  suffered, — 
that  of  charging  exorbitant  fees  by  public  officials.  His 
Excellency  replied  that,  whoever  the  person  might  be 
who  wrote  this  resolution,  he  was  doubtless  guilty  of 
such  abuses  himself;  and  that  his  ruse  brought  to  mind 
the  strategem  of  a  thief,  who  would  hide  himself  in  a 
house,  for  the  purpose  of  robbery,  and  then  set  it  on  fire 
to  escape  in  the  smoke.  He  further  observed  that  he 
had,  in  person,  examined  the  practices  in  the  adjoining 
Province  of  Virginia,  and  that  there  the  fees  charged 
were  even  more  beneficial,  to  officers  of  the  govern- 
ment, than  in  North  Carolina.  The  Burgesses  did  not 
seem  to  think  the  usages  of  a  sister  colony  germane 
to  the  difficulty,  but  relied  on  the  Royal  Charter,  by 
which  the  inhabitants  of  Carolina  were  vested  with  the 
rights  of  British  subjects.  The  resolution,  they  declared, 
was  not  the  work  of  any  one  member,  but  expressed  the 
sentiment  of  their  entire  House,  and  therefore  the  Gov- 
ernor's uncomplimentary  simile  was  a  great  indignity 

*Col.  Records  of  N.  C,  Vol.  III.,  p.  138. 
fCol.  Records  of  N.  C,  Vol.  III.,  p.  259. 


19 

to  that  body,  as  a  whole.*  It  is  needless  to  say  that  an 
agreement  was  never  reached.  In  the  beginning,  Bur- 
rington  had  been  "  at  loss  for  words  "  to  express  his 
esteem  and  regard  for  the  members  of  the  Assembly,  but 
was  never  known  to  experience  such  inconvenience  in 
expressing  his  anger,  and  so  the  breach  remained  un- 
healed, until  finally  he  was  constrained  to  put  an  end  to 
their  deliberations — or  "  divisions,  heats,  and  indecen- 
cies," to  use  his  phrase — by  prorogation,  on  the  17th  of 
May,  I73i.t 

As  has  already  been  noted,  Burrington  was  by  no 
means  lacking  in  his  endeavors  for  the  improvement  of 
the  Colony.  Regardless,  alike,  of  wintry  blasts  and  the 
fierce  heat  of  summer,  he  was  ever  active  and  untiring. 
Indeed,  it  is  not  overdrawing  the  truth  to  say  that  it  was 
beyond  the  power  of  human  endurance  to  toil  more  in- 
cessantly and  undergo  more  personal  sacrifices,  in  the 
development  of  its  resources,  than  he  did.  It  was  his 
custom  to  visit  the  localities  where  new  settlements  were 
made,  and  inspect  personally  the  public  thoroughfares 
and  bridges,  seeing  to  it  that  they  were  kept  in  proper 
repair  by  the  magistrates  charged  with  that  duty.  In 
a  communication  to  Lord  Carteret,  the  Palatine,  or  Senior 
Proprietor,  of  Carolina,  he  states  that  on  several  occa- 
sions, he  narrowly  escaped  starvation,  and  had,  more 
than  once,  come  near  being  drowned.  To  him,  more 
than  to  any  other  person,  was  due  the  upbuilding  of  the 
Cape  Fear  region,  which  afterwards  became  the  most 
important  locality  in  the  Colony.  With  his  private 
means  he  purchased  over  ten  thousand  acres  there,  which 
brought  him  little  or  no  revenue  in  after  years,  and 


*Col.  Records  of  N.  C,  Vol.  III.,  pp.  262,  265,  267,  270,  271,  272. 
fCol.  Records  of  N.  C,  Vol.  III.,  p.  284. 
2 


20 


offered  valuable  inducements  to  persons  who  contem- 
plated removing  to  that  neighborhood.  He  pushed  to 
completion  a  highway,  stretching  a  hundred  miles  across 
the  country,  from  Neuse  River  to  the  lower  settlements  : 
and  the  construction  of  another,  still  greater  in  length, 
running  from  the  Virginia  boundary  to  the  banks  of  the 
Cape  Fear,  was  undertaken  at  his  instance.  He  discov- 
ered, and  marked  out  the  channel  of  the  last  named 
water-course,  and  of  Topsail  Inlet;  and  sounded  and 
explored  many  other  rivers  and  harbors,  theretofore 
comparatively  unknown.  According  to  his  account,  the 
only  reward  he  ever  received  was  a  vote  of  thanks  from 
the  House  of  Burgesses.*  Nor  are  we  left  to  rely  upon 
the  Governor's  word  for  the  truth  of  these  assertions. 
The  members  of  the  Assembly  gave  public  utterance  to 
their  gratitude,  with  a  promise  to  make  the  King  sen- 
sible of  his  services.f  Stronger  still  is  the  language 
employed,  in  an  address  to  Governor  Johnston  (after 
Burrington's  permanent  retirement),  by  inhabitants  of 
the  precincts  of  Edgecombe  and  Bertie,  in  1735.  They 
express  the  belief  that  no  man  living  could  have  taken 
more  pains,  or  undergone  greater  fatigue,  to  acquaint 
himself  with  the  condition  of  the  Province ;  that  he  had 
repeatedly  made  journeys  into  the  back-woods,  on  foot, 
often  accompanied  by  only  one  man.  Pinched  with 
hunger  and  in  danger  of  perishing,  he  had  been  com- 
pelled, in  one  instance,  to  subsist  on  a  single  biscuit  for 
three  days.  On  some  occasions  he  would  come  among 
the  settlers,  several  hundred  miles  from  home,  with  the 
clothing  torn  from  his  body,  and,  at  other  times,  would 


*Col.  Records  of  N.  C,  Vol.  III.,  pp.  29,  135,  287,  288,  434,  435,  436,  577, 
617. 

t  Col.  Records  of  N.  C,  Vol.  III.,  p.  262. 


21 


carry  considerable  sums  of  money  with  him,  for  distri- 
bution among  the  poorer  inhabitants,  to  better  enable 
them  to  settle  the  upper  country.*  Even  the  lordly 
Virginian,  Colonel  Byrd  of  Westover, — who  never  men- 
tioned his  neighbors  save  in  ridicule — could  not  with- 
hold a  letter  of  congratulation,  which  stands,  however, 
more  as  an  unintentional  tribute  to  the  people  of  North 
Carolina  than  the  compliment  to  their  Governor,  for 
which  it  was  meant.  He  wrote,  that  what  knowledge 
he  had  of  the  province  inclined  him  to  fear  that  it  would 
take  a  pretty  deal  of  trouble  to  bring  it  into  order,  and 
that  a  man  of  less  spirit  than  Burrington  would  never 
be  able  to  do  so  ;  for  people,  accustomed  to  live  without 
law  or  gospel,  felt  great  reluctance  in  submitting  to 
either.  North  Carolina,  he  said,  was  a  very  happy 
country,  where  a  livelihood  could  be  had  with  less  labor 
than  in  any  other  part  of  the  world.  With  Burrington 
he  deplored  the  stubbornness  of  the  Assembly  at  Eden- 
ton,  and  closed  by  declaring  that  if  the  Governor  suc- 
ceeded in  reducing  to  order  such  anarchy  and  chaos,  a 
statue  ought  to  be  erected  in  his  honor ;  or,  which  was 
perhaps  better,  he  would  deserve  to  have  his  salary 
doubled.f 

In  1732,  Governor  Burrington  estimated  that  the 
white  race  in  North  Carolina  would  aggregate  thirty 
thousand,  with  about  six  thousand  negroes  and  less  than 
eight  hundred  Indians.  The  militia,  he  said,  contained 
about  five  thousand,  with  an  additional  thousand  to  be 
enrolled  later  on.  J 

In  his  admirable  oration,  on  Early  Men  and  Times  of 
the  Cape  Fear,  delivered  before  the  literary  societies  of 

*Col.  Records  of  N.  C,  Vol.  IV.,  p.  19. 
t  Col.  Records  of  N.  C,  Vol.  III.,  p.  194. 
%  Col.  Records  of  N.  C,  Vol.  III.,  p.  433. 


22 


the  University  of  North  Carolina,  in  1855,  the  Honora- 
ble George  Davis  states  that  about  five  miles  below 
Brunswick,  there  is  still  a  small  stream,  known  as  Gov- 
ernor's Creek,  which  takes  that  name  from  its  former 
proprietor.  Burrington's  Cape  Fear  estate,  Stag  Park, 
had  been  so  called  as  early  as  1664,  by  explorers  from 
Barbadoes.  In  1754,  he  mortgaged  it  to  Samuel  Strud- 
wick,  of  London,  (ancestor  of  the  Strudwick  family  of 
North  Carolina),  and  the  deed  is  now  recorded  in  the  ar- 
chives of  New  Hanover  County,  at  Wilmington.  Strud- 
wick, it  would  seem,  afterwards  deposited  the  title  with 
Lieutenant-General  John  Guise  to  secure  the  payment 
of  a  debt.  When  Guise  gave  a  discharge  for  the  same, 
in  1761,  he  was  joined  in  the  quit-claim  by  Lieuten- 
ant George  Burrington,  of  the  British  Army,  the 
Governor's  sole  legatee,  who  thereby  made  a  conveyance 
of  the  right  of  redemption  which  had  been  inherited 
from  his  father.* 

Cape  Fear,  itself,  was  discovered  and  christened  with 
that  suggestive  name  by  the  heroic  Sir  Richard  Gren- 
ville,  who  came  near  being  shipwrecked  in  its  vicinity 
during  the  year  1585.  f 

Notwithstanding  the  gratitude  professed  for  Governor 
Burrington,  in  the  addresses  of  the  Assembly,  etc.,  al- 
ready quoted,  there  never  was  a  time  when  he  was  with- 
out enemies.  The  people  appreciated  the  value  of  his 
progressive  and  enterprising  spirit,  in  the  post  he  occu- 
pied; but  his  intolerant  disposition,  and  violent  conduct 
when  opposed,  however  honest  the  motives  of  those  who 
differed  with  him,  rendered  no  man  safe  who  dared  to 
thwart  his  designs.     Among  the  most  active  opponents 


*  Col.  Records  of  N.  C,  Vol.  VI. ,  pp.  578,  579,  580;  Address  of  Hon.  George 
Davis,  at  University  of  North  Carolina,  1855. 

f  Hakluyt's  Voyages  (1810  reprint),  Vol.  III.,  p.  309. 


23 

of  his  second  administration  were  Nathaniel  Rice,  John 
Baptista  Ashe,  Edmund  Porter,  and  John  Montgomery. 
Of  these,  the  first  three  were  members  of  the  Council, 
former  friends  of  the  Governor,  but  now  enemies  of  long 
standing.  In  addition  to  his  public  disputes,  Ashe  had 
quarrelled  with  Burrington  over  the  ownership  of  two 
mares,  which  they  both  claimed,  and,  in  consequence  of 
charges  preferred  by  him,  was  imprisoned  for  libel, 
though  afterwards  released,  on  a  writ  of  habeas  corpus, 
by  Chief  Justice  Little.*  Montgomery,  who  was  Attor- 
ney General  of  the  Colony,  well  might  have  thought : — 

"  Perhaps  it  was  right  to  dissemble  your  love, 
But  why  did  you  kick  me  down  stairs?  " 

for  his  complaint  is  to  the  effect  that,  after  attacking  him 
with  a  chair,  the  Governor  had  thrown  him  to  the  floor 
and  punched  him  in  such  a  manner,  with  his  knee,  that 
he  would  probably  have  been  killed,  or  seriously  injured, 
had  not  bystanders  interposed.  After  the  assault,  Mont- 
gomery asked  for  a  license  to  return  to  England,  which 
Burrington  said  he  could  not  grant,  until  after  the  Coun- 
cil met,  but  would  then  give  him  a  license  to  go  to  the 
Devil,  if  he  desired  it ;  and,  as  if  by  way  of  facilitating 
his  acceptance  of  this  offer,  challenged  him  to  cross  the 
Virginia  boundary  where  their  difficulty  could  be  pri- 
vately settled,  according  to  the  code  duello.f  Mont- 
gomery, however,  was  not  to  be  drawn  out  in  this  man- 
ner, though  he  was  afterwards  charged  with  having  en- 
gaged in  a  conspiracy,  with  Chief  Justice  Smith  and 
Secretary  Rice,  to  murder  the  Governor.     According  to 


*Col.  Records  of  N.  C,  Vol.  III.,  pp.  377,  379,  616  and  617;  see  also,  p. 
385,  et  seq, 

fCol.  Records  of  N.  C,  Vol.  III.,  p.  474. 


24 

Burrington's  declaration,  this  trio  attempted  to  kill  him 
with  pistols,  but  the  design  was  frustrated  by  some 
courageous  friends,  who  unexpectedly  came  to  his  assis- 
tance. He  further  states  that  indictments  were  found 
against  the  three  offenders,  who  thereupon  fled  to  Vir- 
ginia, and  remained  concealed  in  that  Province  until 
after  the  arrival  of  Governor  Johnston,  who  ordered  the 
prosecution  to  drop,  and  "  immediately  distinguished 
the  assassins  by  his  favours,  every  one  being  placed  in 
some  employment."  *  In  commenting  on  the  state- 
ments, here  quoted,  amazement  has  well  been  expressed 
that  Governor  Burrington  escaped  at  all — "  If  a  tithe  of 
what  his  enemies  said  about  Burrington  be  true,  the 
wonder  is  that  he  got  away  from  the  colony  alive,  and  not 
that  an  attempt  was  made  to  kill  him."  f 

It  was  in  the  Spring  of  1733  that  Gabriel  Johnston 
received  the  King's  commission  as  Governor.  Johnston 
was  a  highly  educated  Scotch  gentleman,  connected  with 
the  historic  Annandale  family  of  that  name,  and  had, 
before  coming  to  America,  been  Professor  of  Oriental 
Languages  in  the  University  of  St.  Andrews.  He  was 
sworn  before  the  Provincial  Council  of  North  Carolina, 
at  Brunswick,  in  the  new  Cape  Fear  settlement,  on  the 
2nd  of  November,  1734. J  This  appointment,  strange 
to  say,  was  taken  with  good  grace  by  Burrington.  He 
had  received  intimations  of  the  prospective  change,  and 
grew  impatient  under  the  delay.  To  the  Duke  of  New- 
castle, he  wrote  : — "  Haveing  lived  in  this  Province  some 
years  without  receiving  any  money  from  the  King,  or 
Country,  was  constrained  to  sell  not  only  my  household 
goods,  but  even  linnen,  plate,  and  Books,  and  mortgage 


*Col.  Records  of  N.  C,  Vol.  IV.,  p.  165. 

f  Saunders'  prefatory  notes  to  Col.  Records  of  N.  C,  Vol.  III.,  p.  xi. 

X  Col.  Records  of  N.  C,  Vol.  III.,  pp.  368,  438,  534  ;  Vol.  IV.,  p.  1. 


25 

my  Lands  and  stocks.  The  many  sicknesses  that  seized 
me,  and  their  long  continuance,  have  greatly  impaired 
my  constitution  and  substance.  My  affairs  and  health 
being  in  a  bad  condition,  I  humbly  desire  my  Lord  Duke 
will  be  pleased  to  obtain  His  Majesties  leave  for  my  re- 
turn to  England."  And  later  he  says  : — "  I  daily  ex- 
pect the  Kings  leave  for  my  return  to  England ;  when 
it  arrives,  shall  make  haste  to  London.  Hope  to  inform 
my  Lords  of  Trade  of  all  that  is  necessary  for  his  Ma- 
jesties Service  in  N.  Carolina."  * 

A  short  while  before  these  two  dispatches  were  writ- 
ten, Burrington  had  temporarily  absented  himself  from 
the  Province,  for  the  purpose  of  visiting  South  Carolina, 
when  the  duties  of  his  office  devolved  upon  Nathaniel 
Rice,  senior  member  of  the  Council.  He  soon  returned, 
however,  and  was  present  with  the  General  Assembly, 
on  the  13th  of  November,  1734,  when  the  proceedings 
of  that  body  were  brought  to  a  close  by  the  proclamation 
announcing  Governor  Johnston's  arrival. f 

This  terminated  Burrington's  political  career  in  North 
Carolina.  The  length  of  his  public  service,  in  Eng- 
land and  America  together,  may  be  estimated  by  the 
opening  phrase  of  a  letter,  dated  November  15th,  1732, 
two  years,  almost  to  the  very  day,  previous  to  his  retire- 
ment, on  the  13th  November,  1734.  He  writes: — "I 
have  served  the  crown  in  every  reign  since  the  Abdica- 
tion of  King  James,  &  always  was  allowed  to  behave  as 
became  a  Man  of  Honour,  and  the  Family  whose  name  I 
bear ;  their  Services  at  the  Revolution  and  during  the 
life  of  the  late  King  William  of  glorious  memory  I  hope 
are  not  yet  in  Oblivion."  X     The  "  abdication  "  of  King 

*  Col.  Records  of  N.  C,  Vol.  III.,  pp.  625,  630. 

f  Col.  Records  of  N.  C,  Vol.  III.,  pp.  633,  641,  643  ;  see  also  Saunders' 
prefatory  notes  to  that  volume,  pp.  iii,  iv. 
%  Col.  Records  of  N.  C,  Vol.  III.,  p.  375. 


26 


James  occurred  in  1688.  The  reign  of  his  immediate 
successor,  William  of  Orange,  ended  in  1702.  So  Bur- 
rington  must  have  entered  the  royal  service  as  early  as 
the  latter  date,  which  was  about  twenty  years  before  he 
came  to  America. 

When  he  received  his  second  appointment,  in  1730, 
the  King's  warrant  was  given  Burrington  for  a  salary 
of  seven  hundred  pounds,  per  annum,  to  be  paid  out  of 
quit-rents  in  the  Colony.  But,  to  his  sorrow,  he  soon 
discovered  that  getting  the  warrant  was  one  thing,  and 
getting  the  money  was  another ;  for,  during  the  whole 
time  he  remained  in  office,  the  Assembly  made  no  pro- 
vision whatever  for  collecting  the  fund  specified.  But 
nothing  daunted,  by  this  neglect,  the  Governor  pursued 
his  policy,  regardless  of  appropriations  ;  and,  as  a  con- 
sequence, was  greatly  impoverished  at  the  time  of  his 
final  return  to  Great  Britain.  Some  months  thereafter, 
he  petitioned  the  King  for  the  payment  of  his  salary, 
and  for  re-imbnrsement  of  the  expenses  incurred  while 
having  surveys  and  drafts  made  of  the  rivers  and  har- 
bors of  the  province.*  Had  he  stopped  with  this,  the 
historian  Saunders  observes,  he  might  have  succeeded  ; 
but,  taking  advantage  of  the  opportunity  to  again  get  a 
fling  at  his  enemies,  he  prayed  an  investigation  of  his  offi- 
cial conduct,  with  a  view  of  exonerating  himself,  which 
caused  the  petition,  by  advice  of  the  Privy  Council,  to 
be  adjudged  irregular  and  dismissed.f  The  aggregate 
amount  due  on  his  salary,  alone,  was  between  two  and 
three  thousand  pounds.  Added  to  this  were  large  sums, 
expended  from  his  private  means,  in  carrying  out  the 
royal  instructions  for  having  surveys  made  of  different 

*Col.  Records  of  N.  C,  Vol.  IV.,  pp.  164,  168. 

t  Saunders'  prefatory  notes  to  Col.  Records  of  N.  C,  Vol.  Ill,  pp.  x,  xi. 


27 

portions  of  the  colony,  both  by  land  and  water.  What- 
ever may  have  been  the  propriety,  from  a  legal  stand- 
point, in  rejecting  his  petition,  no  technical  defect  in 
that  document  could  relieve  the  moral  obligation  to  re- 
fund all  proper  expenditures,  and  pay  the  salary  stipu- 
lated. It  is  small  wonder  that  Burrington  considered 
himself  badly  treated. 

In  addition  to  valuable  data  contained  in  the  original 
records,  compiled  by  the  Honorable  William  L.  Saun- 
ders, from  which  source  this  sketch  is  almost  entirely 
drawn,  we  are  also  indebted  to  the  prefatory  notes,  which 
emanate  from  the  pen  of  that  author,  for  the  most  accu- 
rate estimate  yet  given  of  Governor  Burrington's  char- 
acter and  ability :  "  His  official  papers  relating  to  the 
province,  those  at  least  unconnected  with  his  quarrels, 
are  well  written  and  show  an  intimate  knowledge  of  the 
country  and  the  measures  best  adapted  to  promote  its 
development.  Considered  alone,  indeed,  they  would 
present  him  as  an  active,  intelligent,  progressive  ruler. 
But  they  cannot  be  considered  alone,  and  he  stands  out, 
therefore,  as  a  man  of  ability,  but  utterly  disqualified  by 
grievous  faults  for  the  position  he  occupied.  And  yet 
he  was  a  wiser  ruler  than  his  predecessor,  Hverard,  and 
possessed  no  more  faults  ;  he  was,  too,  to  say  the  least, 
as  wise  as  his  successor,  Gabriel  Johnston,  and  no  more 
arbitrary.  Certain  it  is,  too,  that  the  province  under 
his  administration  continued  to  flourish  and  greatly 
prosper,  both  in  wealth  and  population.  It  may  be  that 
Burrington  was  hampered  by  his  instructions  from  the 
Crown,  and  that  no  Governor  could  have  carried  them 
out  and  kept  the  peace  with  a  people  who,  as  he  said, 
were  subtle  and  crafty  to  admiration,  who  could  neither 
be  outwitted  nor  cajoled,  who  always  behaved  insolently 


28 

to  their  Governors,  who  maintained  that  their  money 
could  not  be  taken  from  them  save  by  appropriations 
made  by  their  own  House  of  Assembly,  a  body  that  had 
always  usurped  more  power  than  they  ought  to  be 
allowed ;  with  a  people,  in  a  word,  who  well  knew  their 
rights  and  dared  to  assert  them  to  the  full."  *  With  this 
should  be  considered  the  testimony  of  Williamson,  who, 
after  dwelling  at  some  length  on  his  errors  and  follies, 
says  :  "  He  is  not  charged,  nor  was  he  chargeable,  with 
fraud  or  corruption ;  for  he  despised  rogues,  whether 
they  were  small  or  great.  Nor  could  he  be  suspected 
of  cunning,  a  vice  that  is  more  dangerous,  because  it 
personates  a  virtue;  but  he  sailed  without  ballast."  f 
And  still  another  tribute,  also  recognizing  his  faults, 
portrays  him  as,  "  Open,  frank,  bold,  spirited,  and  gen- 
erous ;  but  also  weak,  imprudent,  dissipated  and  reck- 
less. A  social  and  agreeable  companion,  and  a  staunch 
friend ;  but  careless  of  his  personal  dignity,  and  regard- 
less of  law  or  authority."  J 

In  preparing  this  narrative,  care  has  been  taken  to 
present,  in  an  impartial  manner,  the  facts  related ;  and 
now,  by  adding  a  few  words  to  the  passages  just  quoted, 
there  is  no  intention  to  attempt  a  palliation  of  one  man's 
sins  by  comparison  with  those  of  others.  But  as  a  plea 
for  consistency  with  persons  who  are  too  much  blinded, 
by  the  shortcomings  of  Governor  Burrington,  to  recog- 
nize his  good  qualities — (as  the  writer  of  this  sketch 
acknowledges  himself  to  have  been,  heretofore), — it  is 
well  to  call  attention  to  the  fact  that  far  greater  men 
have  been  marked  no  less  conspicuously  by  the  faults 

*  Saunders'  prefatory  notes  to  Col.  Records  of  N.  C,  Vol.  III.,  p.  xi. 

t  Williamson's  History  of  North  Carolina,  Vol.  II.,  p.  14. 

t  Address  of  Hon.  George  Davis,  at  University  of  N.  C,  1855. 


29 

for  which  he  was  noted.  Indeed,  it  may  not  be  pre- 
sumption to  cast  our  eyes  so  high  as  the  renowned  An- 
drew Jackson, — in  war,  the  peer  of  the  bravest,  and 
regarded  by  many  as  the  embodiment  of  all  that  is  wise 
in  statesmanship.  Our  hearts  beat  high  with  pride  at 
the  splendid  military  achievements  of  the  Hero  of  New 
Orleans;  and  we  admire,  in  a  no  less  degree,  the  iron 
will,  which  bore  down  all  opposition  to  his  civil  policy. 
Yet  the  faithful  biographer  of  "  Old  Hickory"  is  forced 
to  record  him  as  "  surpassing  all  known  men  in  the 
fluency  and  chain-shot  force  and  complication  of  his 
oaths."  And,  furthermore,  we  are  told  that  he  was  "  too 
quick  to  believe  evil  of  one  who  stood  to  him  in  the  re- 
lation of  competitor  and  rival."  Nor  did  Jackson  fall 
below  Burrington's  mark  in  the  violence  of  his  personal 
conduct.  In  perusing  his  biography,  we  find  him,  on 
one  oceasion,  armed  with  a  large  bludgeon  and  brace  of 
pistols,  with  which  to  chastise  an  enemy  in  a  public 
tavern ;  again,  he  is  seen  horse-whipping  a  political  op- 
ponent, or  swearing  by  the  Eternal  that  he  will  crop  the 
ears  of  a  third  offender,  in  the  event  of  further  provoca- 
tion, while  a  relation  of  his  countless  other  quarrels — 
to  say  nothing  of  duels — would  consume  pages.  If  the 
overshadowing  genius,  of  the  one,  counterbalanced  these 
imperfections,  we  should  not,  while  contemplating  simi- 
lar faults,  in  the  other,  lose  sight  of  valuable  services 
rendered  in  an  humbler  sphere. 

The  ultimate  fate  of  Governor  Burrington  has  been  a 
source  of  much  perplexity  to  students  of  North  Carolina 
history,  owing  to  the  conflicting  statements  of  different 
writers.  Wheeler,  with  some  variation  therefrom,  fol- 
lows the  lead  of  Williamson,  who  confuses  his  tempor- 
ary absence,  in  April,  1734,  with  his  permanent  retire- 


30 

ment,  from  office,  in  the  Fall  of  that  year.  The  first 
named  author,  after  mentioning  his  departure  from 
America,  also  says  that  he  died  "  soon  after,"  and  then 
an  account  is  given  of  his  death.*  Thus  both  historians 
are  made  liable  to  the  charge  of  inaccuracy  :  for,  as  has 
already  been  noted,  Burrington  was  with  the  Colonial 
Assembly  as  late  as  November,  1734;  and  it  will  soon 
be  seen  that  his  death  occurred  many  years  thereafter, 
in  February,  1759.  He  was  interred  in  the  Parish  of 
St.  John  the  Evangelist,  Westminster,  f 

But,  returning  to  North  Carolina  authorities,  it  should 
be  remembered  that  Dr.  Williamson,  upon  whom  Wheeler 
evidently  relies,  does  not  state  that  Burrington  died  soon 
after  he  reached  England.  The  version  of  Williamson 
is  that,  finding  himself  at  loggerheads  with  adverse  fac- 
tions, the  Governor  "  retired  from  the  helm,"  to  which 
is  added — erroneously,  however, — by  way  of  an  explan- 
atory note,  "April,  1734."  Then  beginning  an  entirely 
new  sentence  (which  should  be  a  paragraph),  he  goes 
on  to  give  the  following  account  of  his  death  :  "  This 
imprudent  and  eccentric  man,  after  his  return  to  Lon- 
don, sold  a  tract  of  land  that  he  had  taken  up,  near  the 
Haw  Fields  in  Carolina.  Having  money  in  his  pocket 
on  the  following  night,  and  rioting  in  his  usual  manner, 
he  fell  a  sacrifice  to  his  folly.  He  was  found  murdered 
the  next  morning,  in  the  Bird  Cage  walk,  in  a  corner  of 
Saint  James'  Park."  J 


*  Wheeler's  History  of  North  Carolina,  part  I.,  p.  42. 

t  When  Burrington  made  his  will,  1750,  he  resided  in  the  Parish  of  St. 
Martin  Ludgate  ;  but,  by  the  probate  thereof,  March  23,  1759,  it  appears 
that,  at  the  time  of  his  death,  he  was  a  resident  of  the  Parish  of  St.  John 
the  Evangelist.  For  will,  etc.,  see  Col.  Records  of  N.  C,  Vol.  VI.,  pp.  18, 
19,  277. 

t  Williamson's  History  of  North  Carolina,  Vol.  II.,  p.  35,  and  note. 


3i 

Referring  to  the  English  newspapers  of  that  day,  we 
find  more  accurate  notices,  in  connection  with  this  mys- 
terious affair,  which  have  heretofore  escaped  the  scru- 
tiny of  historians. 

The  following  is  an  extract  from  the  Public  Adver- 
tiser, for  Friday,  February  23d,  1759: — "Yesterday  was 
taken  out  of  the  Canal  in  St.  James's  Park,  the  Body  of 
an  elderly  Man  well  dressed.  His  Pockets  were  turn'd 
inside  out,  and  his  Stick  in  his  Hand,  which  was  clinched 
and  bruised." 

The  Gazeteer  and  Daily  Advertiser,  of  the  same  date, 
says  : — "  Yesterday  a  man  genteely  drest  was  taken  out 
of  the  Canal  in  St.  James's  Park,  and  it  is  supposed 
that  he  has  been  drowned  some  days." 

The  London  Evening  Post,  February  24th  to  Febru- 
ary 27th  : — "  The  Person  found  drowned  in  the  Canal  in 
St.  James's  Park  last  Week,  was  George  Burrington, 
Esq  ;  who  was  Governor  of  the  Province  of  Carolina  in 
the  last  Spanish  War,  and  was  known  and  respected  by 
the  Gentlemen  of  that  Province." 

The  Whitehall  Evening  Post,  February  22nd  to  Feb- 
ruary 24th  : — "  Thursday  Morning  an  elderly  Gentle- 
man was  found  floating  in  the  Canal  in  St.  James's  Park ; 
in  his  Pocket  was  found  a  Letter  from  his  Son,  who  is 
an  Officer  in  the  Army  now  abroad,  and  was  known  by 
some  Gentlemen  who  saw  him  taken  out." 

The  last  named  paper,  February  24th  to  February 
27th,  also  states: — "  The  Person  found  drown'd  in  the 
Canal  in  St.  James's  Park  last  Week,  was Bur- 
rington, Esq  ;  who  was  Governor  of  the  Province  of  Car- 
olina in  the  last  Spanish  War." 

So  ended  the  eventful  career  outlined  in  these  pages. 
The  manner  of  Burrington's  death  could  hardly  have 


32 

been  accidental  or  suicidal,  for  there  were  evidences  of 
robbery.     And  yet,  it  is  strange  that  no  serious  wounds 
were  noticeable  on  his  person.     In  view  of  this  fact,  the 
most  tenable  conjecture  will  probably  lead  us  to   the 
conclusion  that  he  was  set  upon  by  garroters,  who  first 
rendered  him  insensible  by  strangulation  and  then  re- 
sorted to  the  canal.     Thus  pinioned  from  behind,  the 
victim  would  be  powerless,  and  it  was  not  necessary  for 
the  robbers  to  disarm  him  of  the  cane,  which  he  so  des- 
perately clasped  as  to  retain  even  in  death.     Nearly  all 
that  has  been  written  in  history,  concerning  him,  por- 
trays an  individual  much  given  to  the  use  of  intoxicat- 
ing liquors,  which  may  be  true :  for  the  circumstances 
of  his  murder  seem  to  indicate  that  he  had  been  carous- 
ing with  friends ;  and  the  personal  demeanor,  in  itself, 
exhibited  on  other  occasions   heretofore  mentioned,  is 
further  corroborative  of  such  assertions.     Yet  one  of 
the  writers,  to  whom  reference  has  been  made,  thought- 
fully observes  that  "  the  seemingly  respectful  consider- 
ation, given  to  him  and  to  his  opinions  by  the  Board  of 
Trade  after  his  return  to  England,  is  by  no  means  con- 
sistent with  the  theory  that  he  was  a  mere  drunken 
brawler."  *     Another  fact  is  also  worthy  of  note  in  con- 
sidering this  phase  of  his  character:  that,  during  his 
administrations  in  North  Carolina,  he  was  surrounded 
by  enemies,  who  never  lost  an  opportunity  to  seize  upon, 
if  not  exaggerate,  every  act  of  impropriety  on  his  part ; 
and  still,  in  all  of  these  complaints,  which  cover  scores 
of  pages,  no  mention  is  made  of  his  dissolute  habits. 
Or,  to  be  more  accurate,  the  writer  will  state  that,  if 
such  charge  does  exist,  it  has  escaped  his  observation, 
in  making  a  careful  examination  of  the  records.     And 

*  Saunders'  prefatory  notes  to  Col.  Records  of  N.  C,  Vol.  III.,  p.  xi. 


33 

it  should  furthermore  be  borne  in  mind  that  if,  in  fact, 
he  was  addicted  to  intemperance,  he  was  not  alone,  for 
he  lived  in  a  licentious  age.  "  His  virtues  were  his  own  ; 
and  his  vices  were  but  too  common  in  the  times  in  which 
he  lived,"  is  the  conclusion  of  an  impartial  authority 
whom  we  have  also  had  occasion  to  quote.* 

Like  some  quaint  specimen  of  statuary,  cast  in  a 
mould  which  is  afterwards  destroyed,  George  Burring- 
ton  can  never  be  duplicated.  And,  for  the  "  peace  and 
dignity  "  of  North  Carolina,  in  the  present  advanced 
state  of  civilization,  it  is  fortunate  that  such  rulers  no 
longer  hold  sway.  But  in  a  colony,  which  is  peopled 
with  every  class  of  society  from  its  mother  country,  sub- 
jected  to  the  warfare  of  hostile  savages,  and  abounding 
in  unexplored  lands,  something  more  than  a  political 
economist  is  required  to  shape  its  destiny.  The  philos- 
ophy of  Locke  in  planning  a  model  government  of  Car- 
olina, went  for  naught.  It  was  a  hardier  type,  albeit 
less  refined,  which  opened  to  navigation  the  water-ways 
of  the  province,  developed  its  resources,  and  laid  for  it 
the  foundation  of  future  greatness. 

Such  was  Burrington.  Could  we  draw  aside  the  cur- 
tain of  time  and  view  him,  as  he  stalked  up  the  streets 
of  Edenton,  or  beat  through  unbroken  forests  and  mias- 
mous  pocosons  to  the  sand-bars  of  Cape  Fear,  his  like- 
ness would  doubtless  be  sought  in  vain,  save  on  the  can- 
vas of  poetic  genius. — 

"  On  his  dark  face,  a  scorching  clime, 

And  toil,  had  done  the  work  of  time, 
Roughened  the  brow,  the  temples  bared, 

And  sable  hairs  with  silver  shared  ; 
Yet  left — what  age  alone  could  tame — 

The  lip  of  pride,  the  eye  of  flame  ; 


*  Address  of  Hon.  George  Davis,  at  University  of  N.  C,  1855. 


34 

The  full-drawn  lip,  that  upward  curled, 
The  eye,  that  seemed  to  scorn  the  world. 

That  lip  had  terror  never  blenched  ; 

Ne'er  in  that  eye  had  tear-drop  quenched 

The  flash,  severe,  of  swarthy  glow, 

That  mocked  at  pain,  and  knew  not  woe." 

Far  from  the  land  of  his  labors  and  turmoils  the  old 
Governor  is  now  laid  at  rest.  Never  will  that  slumber 
be  broken  by  political  animosity  or  the  fiercer  discords 
of  private  life  that  marred  his  earthly  career. 

"  He  died,  and  left  the  world  behind  ; 
His  once  wild  heart  is  cold  ; 
His  once  keen  eye  is  quelled  and  blind  ; 
What  more? — His  tale  is  told." 


CAPTAIN  JOHN  DAVES 


OF  THE  NORTH  CAROLINA  LINE   OF  THE 
CONTINENTAL   ARMY. 


A.    S  KRTC  H 


OF  THE 


MILITARY  CAREER 


OF 


CAPTAIN  JOHN  DAVES 

OF  THE  NORTH  CAROLINA   CONTINENTAL  LINE 
OF  THE  ARMY  OF   THE  REVOLUTION ; 


TOGETHER  WITH 


SOME  FACTS  OF  LOCAL  AND  FAMILY  HISTORY ; 


BY  HIS  GRANDSON, 

MAJOR  GRAHAM  DAVES,  C.  S.  A. 

OF  NEW  BERN,  N.  C. 


"GV>  call  thy  sons — instruct  them  what  a  debt 
They  oive  their  ancestors,  and  make  them  swear 
To  pay  it  by  transmitting  down  entire 
The  saa-ed  rights  to  which  themselves  were  born." 


BALTIMORE 

PRESS  OF  THE  FRIEDENWALD  CO. 
1S92 


John  Daves,  the  first  of  that  name  in  New  Bern,  North  Caro- 
lina, was  a  native  of  Mecklenburg  County,  Virginia,  where  he 
was  born  in  1748.  His  paternal  ancestor  came  from  England, 
sailing  from  London  in  1636,  and  settled  first  in  what  is  now 
Chesterfield  County,  Virginia.  Descendants  of  this  first  settler 
moved  in  time  further  south,  going  to  Mecklenburg  County,  Va., 
where  some  of  the  name  still  live,  engaged  mostly  in  farming  and 
planting,  which  seems  always  to  have  been  the  principal  occupa- 
tion of  the  family. 

John  Daves  came  to  New  Bern  when  he  was  still  very  young. 
Relatives  of  his  name — Richard,  an  uncle,  and  William — were 
already  settled  there,  and  this  fact  doubtless  influenced  him  to 
leave  his  native  State.  The  name  of  William  Daves  appears  in 
the  records  of  Craven  County,  N.  C,  as  early  as  March,  1750,  and 
in  a  deed  dated  April  30,  1754,  he  is  mentioned  as  "late  of  the 
Colony  of  Virginia,  but  now  of  '  Newbern  Town.'  "  His  planta- 
tion or  farm  was  on  the  north  side  of  Neuse  River,  but  he  owned 
property  in  the  town  also. 

Of  Richard  Daves  we  have  record  as  early  as  March,  1752. 
In  1753  he  was  elected  one  of  the  Commissioners  of  New 
Bern,  agreeably  to  an  Act  of  Assembly  passed  at  New  Bern, 
October  15,  1748,  entitled  "An  Act  for  the  better  regulating  the  town 
of  New  Bern;  for  fencing  the  same,  and  securing  the  Titles,"  etc. 
His  associate  Commissioners  were  John  Clitherall,  James  Davis 
and  John  Stevenson.  These  Commissioners  were  not  the  "  Com- 
mon Council "  of  the  town,  but  were  a  body  separate  and  apart 
from  the  latter,  and  were  clothed  with  authority  "  to  grant,  convey 
and  acknowledge  in  fee  any  lot  or  lots  in  Newbern  not  already 
taken  up  and  saved." 

From  a  similar  board  of  commissioners,  consisting  of  James 
Davis,  Samuel  Cornell,  Thos.  Haslen,  John  Clitherall  and  Joseph 
Leech,  John  Daves,  then  22  years  of  age,  bought  on  October  25, 
1770,  for  "  28  shillings,"  town  lot  "  No.  201  on  Eden  street,"  after- 
ward called  George  street.  The  latter  name  the  street  still  bears. 
The  number  of  the  lot  remains  the  same  in  the  plan  of  the  town, 


and  the  change  in  the  name  of  the  street  is  alluded  to  in  deeds  of 
date  as  late  as  November  30,  1796.  This  change  in  the  name  of 
the  street  was  authorized  by  law  in  177 1,  when  Eden  street  north 
of  Pollock  street  was  closed,  and  George  street,  named  in  com- 
pliment to  George  III,  then  King  of  Great  Britain,  was  opened 
from  the  north  front  of  the  "Palace"  premises.  George  street 
included  much  of  what  had  been  Eden  street,  but  it  was  greatly 
widened,  its  direction  somewhat  changed,  and  it  was  eventually 
extended  beyond  the  town  limits  on  the  north  to  Core  Point  on 
Neuse  River.     It  was  also  sometimes  called  "  Palace  Avenue." 

As  a  site  for  the  famous  Colonial  "  Palace  "  of  Gov.  William 
Tryon,  twelve  town  lots  bounded  by  Eden,  South  Front,  Met- 
calf  and  Pollock  streets  were  condemned  by  an  Act  of  Assembly 
of  1767,  and  Eden  street  between  Pollock  and  Front,  and  "  Front 
street  across  the  Palace  lots  "  were  closed.  Eden  street  between 
Pollock  and  Front  streets  was  reopened  in  1786  by  law,  but 
"  Palace"  avenue,  or  George  street  beyond  the  north  limits  of  the 
town,  was  long  since  closed,  and  now  forms  part  of  a  truck  farm. 
The  change  made  in  the  direction  of  George  street  referred  to 
above,  will  account  for  its  not  being  parallel  with  other  streets  of 
the  town  running  in  the  same  direction.  Eden  street  was  so 
called  in  honor  of  Charles  Eden,  who  was  Governor  of  the 
Province  under  the  Proprietary  Government  from  17 14  to  1722, 
from  whom  also  Edenton,  known  at  one  time  as  "  Queen  Anne's 
Creek,"  has  its  name. 

A  somewhat  unusual  condition  of  the  deed  given  by  the  "Com- 
missioners" mentioned,  was  that  the  grantee  should,  within  (18) 
eighteen  months  after  execution  of  the  same,  build  on  the  lot 
conveyed  a  "  house  24  x  16  feet,  of  stone,  brick  or  frame,"  failing 
which  the  conveyance  lapsed  and  became  void.  Upon  the  town 
lot  purchased  as  above  related,  John  Daves  built  the  home  in 
which  he  lived  until  his  death  in  1804.  It  remained  in  the 
possession  of  his  widow  until  her  death  in  1822,  when  it  became 
the  property  of  their  son,  Thos.  Haynes  Daves,  who  occupied 
it  until  his  removal  to  Alabama  in  1836.  This  was  the  first  of 
Captain  Daves'  many  purchases  of  real  estate  in  New  Bern  and 
Craven  County.  He  subsequently  became  a  large  landholder 
in  both  town  and  county,  and  seems  to  have  been  fond  of,  and 
quite  successful  in,  investments  in  landed  estate.  Shortly  after 
the  purchase  of  his  homestead  he  married  his  first  wife,  Sally, 


5 

daughter  of  John  Council  Bryan  of  New  Bern,  a  planter  of  prom- 
inence. It  was  through  Mr.  Bryan,  then  one  of  the  wardens  of 
Christ's  Church,  New  Bern,  that  the  silver  alms-basin  and  com- 
munion-service, still  in  use  in  the  Church,  were  presented  to  the 
Parish.  On  the  plate,  which  is  said  to  have  been  a  gift  from 
Royalty,  are  engraved  the  coat-of-arms  of  Great  Britain  and  the 
initials  G.  R.  (George  Rex).  Descendants  of  Mr.  Bryan  still  live 
in  New  Bern  and  in  other  Southern  towns,  and  many  of  them 
preserve  in  a  marked  degree  the  family  characteristics.  By  this 
marriage  there  was  one  child,  John,  whose  birth  the  mother  did 
not  long  survive.  The  child  himself  died  while  still  very  young 
— about  1784. 

This  marriage  was  about  the  time  of  the  outbreak  of  the  War 
of  the  Revolution,  in  which  the  father  was  destined  to  bear  an 
honorable  part.  We  find  him  serving  as  Quartermaster  of  the 
2d  North  Carolina  Regiment  on  the  Continental  Establishment, 
as  early  as  June  7,  1776,  and  on  the  30th  of  September,  1776, 
he  was  commissioned  Ensign  in  that  regiment  and  assigned  to 
the  company  of  Captain  Charles  Crawford,  who  was  also  a 
resident  of  New  Bern.  This  regiment  first  saw  active  service  in 
December,  1775,  in  opposing  the  expedition  of  Lord  Dunmore 
against  Norfolk,  Va.,  in  which  it  acquitted  itself  so  well  that  its 
Colonel,  Robert  Howe,  was  made  Brigadier-General  by  the 
Continental  Congress  for  his  services.  It  was  also  present  at 
Charleston,  S.  C,  in  June,  1776,  at  the  time  of  the  unsuccessful 
attack  upon  Sullivan's  Island  by  the  fleet  of  Admiral  Sir  Peter 
Parker  and  the  troops  of  Sir  Henry  Clinton.  Gen.  Charles 
Lee,  who  was  in  command  at  Charleston,  commends  highly 
the  bearing,  discipline  and  efficiency  of  the  North  Carolinians 
and  of  Muhlenburg's  Virginians.  The  2d  Regiment,  and  the 
other  Continental  regiments  of  North  Carolina  infantry — at  the 
time  six  in  number — were  formed  into  a  brigade  in  August  of 
1776  under  Brig.-General  James  Moore,  previously  Colonel  of 
the  1st  Regiment.  Later  three  other  regiments  were  added  to 
the  brigade.  Gen.  Moore  died  in  February,  1777,  and  Gen. 
Francis  Nash  of  Hillsboro  succeeded  to  the  command.  Shortly 
afterwards  the  brigade  was  ordered  to  report  to  Gen.  Washington, 
and  in  the  early  Spring  began  its  long  march  to  Pennsylvania. 
In  July,  1777,  it  was  in  garrison  at  Trenton,  N.  J.  (After  joining 
the  army  of  Washington  the  regiments  of  this  brigade  are  styled 


"battalions  "  in  all  orders  and  official  papers.)  From  Trenton  the 
brigade  was  sent  to  Billingsport  for  the  defence  of  the  Delaware 
River,  and  on  the  nth  September,  1777,  took  part  in  the  battle 
of  Brandywine.  At  the  battle  of  Germantown  the  brigade  was 
very  heavily  engaged  and  sustained  serious  losses.  Gen.  Francis 
Nash  and  Col.  Edward  Buncombe  were  there  mortally  wounded, 
Lieut.-Col.  Henry  Irving  of  the  5th  Regiment  was  killed,  and 
Major  Wm,  Polk  of  the  9th  badly  wounded.  Lieut.  John  Daves 
behaved  gallantly  in  this  action,  and  his  commission  as  1st  Lieu- 
tenant bears  date  of  the  battle,  October  4,  1777. 

After  the  death  of  Gen.  Nash,  Gen.  Lacklan  Mcintosh  of 
Georgia  was  assigned  to  the  North  Carolina  brigade,  under  whose 
command  it  passed  the  memorable  winter  of  1777-78  at  Valley 
Forge.  It  was  at  Monmouth  on  28th  June,  1778,  and  soon  after, 
agreeably  to  an  Act  of  Congress  of  May  29,  1778,  the  regiments 
of  the  brigade  were  reduced  from  nine  to  four,  and  consolidated, 
and  Col.  Thos.  Clark  of  the  1st  Regiment  was  placed  in  command, 
he  being  the  senior  colonel.  In  May  of  this  year  Lieut.  John 
Daves  was  in  North  Carolina  on  recruiting  service.  Col.  James 
Hogun,  previously  of  the  7th  Regiment,  was  promoted  Brig.-Gen- 
eral  for  gallant  conduct  at  Germantown,  and  succeeded  Col.  Clark 
in  command  of  the  brigade,  January  9,  1779. 

A  battalion  of  the  2d  Regiment  commanded  by  Major  Hardy 
Murfree  formed  part  of  the  attacking  force  of  Wayne  at  Stony 
Point,  N.  Y.,  on  16th  July,  1779.  The  bravery  and  good  services 
of  the-e  troops  in  this  memorable  action  are  highly  commended 
by  Wayne  in  a  letter  of  August  10,  1779,  to  John  Jay.  In  this 
attack  Lieut.  John  Daves  was  severely  wounded,  and  for  a  long 
time  was  incapacitated  for  duty.  The  brigade  was  in  garrison  at 
West  Point  in  August  and  September,  1779,  and  in  November  of 
that  year  was  ordered  to  South  Carolina  to  reinforce  Gen.  Lincoln. 
That  long  winter's  march  was  very  severe  upon  the  command, 
which  reached  Wilmington,  N.  C,  in  February,  1780,  and  Charles- 
ton on  March  13th.  It  shared  the  fate  of  the  garrison  of  the  latter 
city,  surrendered  to  Sir  Henry  Clinton  by  Gen.  Benjamin  Lincoln 
on  the  1 2th  of  May,  1780,  and  many  of  its  officers  and  men  remained 
prisoners  until  the  close  of  the  war.  Gen.  James  Hogun  died  on 
the  4th  of  January,  1781. 

By  this  surrender  the  State  of  North  Carolina  was  for  a  time, 
and   at   a   most  critical   period,  stripped  of  all   regular  troops. 


7 

Lieut.  Daves,  still  disabled  by  the  wound  received  at  Stony  Point 
— which  is  said  to  have  been  from  a  bayonet  thrust  through  the 
body — fortunately  escaped  capture  at  Charleston.  There  is  a 
tradition,  however,  that  he  was  made  prisoner  by  Col.  Patrick 
Ferguson  in  South  Carolina  after  the  battle  of  Camden,  and  was 
released  by  the  North  Carolina  troops  at  King's  Mountain, 
October  7,  1780,  where  Ferguson  was  defeated  and  killed.  Tra- 
dition further  says  that  Daves  and  Ferguson  had  both  been 
aspirants  for  the  hand  of  Miss  Sally  Bryan,  and  that  Ferguson, 
the  unsuccessful  suitor,  cherished  a  bitter  hatred  for  his  more 
fortunate  rival. 

As  soon  as  might  be  after  the  capture  of  the  Continental  troops 
at  Charleston,  efforts  were  made  to  levy  and  equip  additional 
regiments  for  the  N.  C.  Line, — a  very  difficult  task  in  the  then 
existing  state  of  affairs.  Eventually  four  battalions  were  organ- 
ized, and  to  the  3d  of  these  Lieut.  Daves  was  assigned  on 
January  1,  1781.  Three  of  the  battalions  were  formed  into  a 
brigade  under  command  of  Brig.-Gen.  Jethro  Sumner.  At  the 
battle  of  Eutaw  Springs  this  brigade  was  very  conspicuous,  and  both 
officers  and  men  received  the  highest  praise  from  Gen.  Greene,  in 
his  report  of  the  battle,  for  their  gallantry,  devotion  and  constancy. 
On  the  date  of  this  action,  September  8,  178 1,  Lieut.  John  Daves 
was  promoted  to  a  Captaincy.  It  is  worthy  of  note  that  his  name 
is  retained  on  the  State  roster  as  a  Captain  in  the  2d,  the  regi- 
ment in  which  he  was  originally  commissioned,  but  in  the  Conti- 
nental records,  after  1780,  he  appears  as  of  the  3d,  the  battalion 
of  the  new  levies  to  which  he  was  assigned  on  1st  January,  1781. 

After  Eutaw  Springs,  and  the  surrender  of  Cornwallis  at  York- 
town  in  October  following,  the  war  was  virtually  at  an  end,  and 
the  Continental  army  saw  but  little  more  active  service  in  the 
field.  Gen.  Sumner  was  sent  to  North  Carolina  to  punish  and 
hold  in  check  certain  bands  of  Tories,  one  of  which  had  captured 
at  Hillsboro  on  September  13,  1781,  and  carried  to  Wilmington 
as  prisoner  of  war,  Thomas  Burke,  Governor  of  the  State.  Cap- 
tain Daves  remained  on  duty  in  the  army  until  the  reduction  of 
the  Continental  forces  in  January,  1783,  when  he  was  "  deranged," 
or  honorably  retired.  In  the  "  Washington  Correspondence," 
in  the  Dep't  of  State,  Washington,  D.  C,  Book  115,  pp.  1422-43, 
Captain  John  Daves'  name  will  be  found  in  the  "  List  of  Officers 
of  the  late  war  who  continued  to  the  end  thereof." 


In  April,  1782,  at  Halifax,  N.  C,  Capt.  Daves  married  Mary 
Haynes — then  in  the  31st  year  of  her  age, — widow  of  Oroondatis 
Davis  of  Halifax.  Mary  Haynes,  born  in  1751,  was  a  daughter 
of  Andrew  Haynes  and  Nannie  Eaton,  his  wife,  and  a  grand- 
daughter of  Wm.  Eaton  of  Northampton  Co.,  N.  C,  and  Mary 
Rives,  of  the  Virginia  family  of  that  name,  his  wife.  Wm.  Eaton 
was  a  man  of  standing  and  influence.  On  the  9th  of  September, 
1775,  he  was  appointed  by  the  State  Provincial  Congress  a  mem- 
ber of  the  "  Committee  of  Safety  for  Halifax  District,"  and  on 
the  same  date  Lieutenant-Colonel  of  the  militia  regiment  of 
Northampton  Co., — responsible  positions  in  those  days.  In  1776 
he  was  Colonel  of  his  regiment.  {Colonial  Records  of  N.  C, 
Vol.  X.)  His  son  Thomas,  brother  of  Nannie  Eaton,  was  very 
active  and  prominent  in  the  days  of  the  Revolution.  He  was 
a  member  of  the  Provincial  Congress  for  Bute  County  at  New 
Bern,  April  3,  1775,  and  at  Hillsboro,  N.  C,  August  21,  1775, 
and  was  appointed  a  member  of  the  Provincial  Council  for  Halifax 
District,  September  9,  1775.  On  April  4,  1776,  he  was  made 
Colonel  of  the  Bute  Co.  regiment  of  militia,  and  was  a  member 
of  the  Provincial  Congress  which  met  in  Halifax  in  November  of 
that  year,  by  which  he  was  elected  a  member  of  the  Council  of 
State.  This  Congress  completed  the  organization  of  the  State 
Government  erected  upon  the  overthrow  of  the  Colonial  Govern- 
ment. Col.  Eaton  saw  much  active  service  in  the  field  in  both 
North  and  South  Carolina  in  command  of  militia  troops,  and  was 
promoted  General.  The  name  of  Bute  Co.  was  changed  in  1779, 
and  its  territory  divided  into  the  present  counties  of  Franklin  and 
Warren. 

Mary  Haynes,  afterwards  wife  of  John  Daves,  was  married  first 
to  Joseph  Long  of  Halifax  Co.,  N.  C,  in  1769,  who  lived  but  a 
short  time  after  his  marriage.  There  was  one  child  of  this  mar- 
riage, Andrew  Haynes  Long,  who  was  born  December  20,  1770, 
and  died  in  infancy.  By  her  second  marriage  with  Oroondatis 
Davis  there  were  two  children,  Elizabeth  Ann,  born  February  17, 
1780,  died  June  4,  1781  ;  and  Mary,  born  October  7,  1777,  who 
survived  her  parents.  She  was  married  to  James  McKinlay  of 
New  Bern,  where  she  died  October  5,  1840. 

Oroondatis  Davis  was  a  State  Senator  for  Halifax  Co.  in  the 
General  Assembly  for  several  years, — 1778-1781, — and  was  a 
member  of  the  "  Board  of  War"  in  1780.     He  died  June  20,  1781. 


The  Haynes  family  were  of  English  descent,  people  of  wealth 
and  position.  Thomas  Haynes  was  one  of  the  "  Committee  of 
Safety"  of  Halifax  Co.,  N.  C,  in  December,  1774,  and  Eaton 
Haynes  was  a  member  for  Northampton  Co.  of  the  Provincial 
Congress  of  April  4,  1776,  at  Halifax.  Later,  others  of  the  name 
were  prominent  in  Georgia,  representing  that  State  in  the  U.  S. 
Congress.  Captain  Roger  Haynes,  who  was  no  doubt  of  the 
same  family,  lived  on  the  Northeast  Cape  Fear  River  near  Wil- 
mington. His  plantation  was  known  as  Castle  Haynes,  a  name 
preserved  as  that  of  a  railway  station  now  on  the  land.  Mary,  a 
daughter  of  Capt.  Haynes,  was  married  in  1762  to  Colonel  Hugh 
Waddell,  prominent  in  the  wars  with  the  Indians  and  French  in 
Colonial  days,  and  one  of  the  leaders  in  the  resistance  to  the  Stamp 
Act  in  1765.  Another  daughter,  Margaret,  was  married  to  John 
Burgwin,  Treasurer  of  the  southern  portion  of  the  Province  of 
N.  C.  One  of  the  name  appears  in  a  list  of  the  vestry  of  the  old 
Parish  of  Blandford,  near  Petersburg,  Va.,  about  1732,  as  does  also 
William  Eaton. 

Nannie  Eaton  Haynes,  mother  of  Mary,  wife  of  John  Daves, 
was  left  a  widow  while  still  quite  young,  and  afterwards  married 
Rev.  John  Pugh,  from  Merioneth  Co.,  Wales,  a  clergyman  of  the 
English  Church,  settled  in  Mecklenburg  Co.,  Va.  By  this  second 
marriage  there  was  one  son,  Eaton  Pugh,  who  married  his  cousin, 
Miss  Eaton,  daughter  of  Gen.  Thos.  Eaton,  previously  mentioned. 
Eaton  Pugh  was  a  member  for  Halifax  Co.  of  the  General  Assem- 
bly in  1792,  1794  and  1796. 

After  the  disbandment  of  the  Continental  army,  Capt.  John 
Daves  returned  to  New  Bern  with  his  wife,  where  he  engaged  in 
farming  and  planting.  One  of  his  plantations,  called  Blackman's 
Neck,  was  about  three  miles  above  the  town,  immediately  on  the 
south  bank  of  the  Neuse. 

In  November,  1789,  North  Carolina  ratified  the  Constitution  of 
the  United  States — that  instrument  having  been  amended  as 
required  by  her  Convention — and  was  admitted  into  the  Union. 
On  the  9th  of  February,  1790,  President  Washington  nominated 
Captain  Daves  Collector  of  the  port  of  New  Bern, — a  lucrative  and 
responsible  office  in  those  days, — which  nomination  was  confirmed 
by  the  Senate  the  same  day.  On  the  6th  of  March,  1792,  he  was 
nominated  by  Washington  "Inspector  of  Surveys  and  Ports  of 
No.   2  District — Port  of  New  Bern,"  and  was  confirmed  by  the 


IO 

Senate  on  the  8th.  This  office  he  held  until  his  resignation  in  Jan- 
uary, 1800,  and  the  appointments  by  his  old  commander  were 
made  partly  in  recognition  of  his  faithful  services  as  a  Continental 
officer.  He  was  therefore  the  first  Collector  of  the  Port  of  New 
Bern  under  the  Constitution  of  the  United  States;  but  he  had 
been  previously,  under  the  State  laws,  Collector  of  the  "  Port 
of  Beaufort,"  with  "  office  at  New  Bern " ;  from  which  it 
would  appear  that  at  that  time  New  Bern,  though  a  place  of  com- 
mercial importance,  was  not  a  port  of  entry.  In  like  manner 
James  Read  was  Collector  of  the  Port  of  Brunswick,  with 
office  at  Wilmington,  the  residence  in  each  case  being  specified 
in  the  Act  authorizing  their  respective  appointments. 

It  was  by  the  Legislature  which  sat  in  Hillsboro  in  April,  1784, 
that  Captain  Daves  was  elected  Collector  of  the  Port  of  Beaufort, 
and  the  same  body  passed  an  act  authorizing  the  levying  and 
collection  of  duties  on  foreign  merchandize  in  all  the  ports  .of  the 
State  for  the  benefit  of  the  Continental  Government,  to  take  effect 
when  the  other  States  of  the  Confederation  enacted  a  similar 
law. 

In  1789,  Captain  Daves  was  a  vestryman  of  the  Parish  of  Christ 
Church,  New  Bern,  as  appears  from  an  Act  of  Assembly  of  that 
year,  a  position  afterwards  held  by  his  son,  John  Pugh,  and  now 
by  his  grandson,  the  writer  of  this  sketch.  The  title  of  Major,  by 
which  Captain  Daves  was  almost  universally  known,  was  probably 
a  militia  rank — at  least  we  have  no  record  of  his  service  as  such 
in  the  Continental  army. 

In  May,  1787,  John  Daves  was  elected  a  "  Commissioner  of 
New  Bern,"  by  virtue  of  an  Act  of  Assembly  of  February,  1779, 
with  authority  to  grant,  convey  and  acknowledge  in  fee  lot  or  lots 
in  New  Bern  not  already  taken  up  "  and  saved."  His  fellow 
commissioners  were  James  Coor,  Samuel  Chapman,  Richard 
Ellis  and  John  T.  Smith. 

By  the  County  Court  of  Craven  Co.,  John  Daves  was  appointed, 
September  12,  1798,  administrator  of  John  Craddock,  at  the 
request  of  Sarah  Craddock,  widow.  Capt.  Craddock  had  been  a 
Continental  officer,  and  served  in  the  2d  N.  C.  Regiment  with 
Capt.  Daves.  Miss  Murfree,  the  novelist,  whose  ancestor,  Lieut. 
Col.  Hardy  Murfree,  served  with  much  distinction  in  the  same 
regiment,  adopted  as  her  pseudonym  "  Charles  Egbert  Crad- 
dock."    Is  there  any  connection  ? 


II 

Captain  Daves  died  in  New  Bern  on  October  12,  1804,  in  the 
57th  year  of  his  age.  His  death  was  sudden,  caused  by  apoplexy 
or  paralysis,  and  he  was  buried  with  military  and  Masonic  honors. 
There  is  a  handsome  monument  to  his  memory  in  Cedar  Grove 
Cemetery,  New  Bern,  the  oddly  worded  but  very  laudatory 
epitaph  on  which  was  written  by  the  Rev.  Thos.  P.  Irving,  so  well 
known  as  a  teacher  in  New  Bern  in  the  olden  time.  The  inscrip- 
tion and  epitaph  are  as  follows : 

Here  are  deposited  the  remains 

of 

Major  John  Daves; 

One 

Of  the  well  tried  patriots  of  our  Revolutionary  war; 

who  departed  this  life  October  12th,  1804, 

Aged  56  years. 

Epitaph  by  a  Friend. 

Beneath  this  monumental  stone  repos'd 

In  shrouded  gloom,  the  relics  of  the  dead 

Await  th'  archangels  renovating  trump, 

And  the  dread  sentence  of  the  Judge  Supreme. 

But  God's  the  Judge  !  in  truth  and  justice  robed; 

Impartial  to  reward  the  friend  sincere, 

The  virtues  of  the  patriot,  parent,  spouse  ; 

And  these  O  Major !  these  were  surely  thine. 

Yes,  these  were  thine — and  more  still  more  conjoin'd 

T'  endear  thee  to  thy  family  and  friends, 

To  leave  a  lasting  memory  behind, 

And  seal  thy  passport  to  the  realms  of  bliss. 

Rev.  Mr.  Irving  was  a  cultured  man  and  of  scholarly  attain- 
ments, but  of  great  eccentricity.  He  did  not  "  spare  the  rod," 
but  had  rods  in  pickle,  always  ready  to  hand  for  refractory  pupils, 
said  rods  being  facetiously  known  as  "  Tippoo  Sahib  "  and  "  The 
Great  Mogul."  He  was  a  clergyman  of  the  Episcopal  Church, 
of  which  Captain  Daves  was  a  vestryman — the  church  his  family 
always  attended. 

Mary,  widow  of  Captain  John  Daves,  lived  eighteen  years  after 
his  death.  She  died  in  New  Bern  on  the  nth  of  April,  1822,  and 
lies  buried  by  her  husband's  side. 

His  sword  and  a  portrait  of  Captain  Daves  are  now  in  the 
possession  of  his  grandson,  Edward  Graham  Daves  of  Baltimore, 


12 


Md.,  but  his  camp  chest,  in  which  were  his  uniform,  commissions, 
another  sword  and  many  valuable  papers,  was  burned  in  the  great 
fire  at  New  Bern  in  the  spring  of  1845 — an  irreparable  loss. 


The  children  of  John  Daves  and  Mary  Haynes,  his  wife,  were 
as  follows  : 

1.  Sally  Eaton;  born  April  27, 1783;  married  to  Morgan  Jones 
of  Snow  Hill,  Md.,  in  1801  ;  died  in  New  Bern,  February  17, 1802. 

2.  Ann  Rebecca  ;  born  November  14,  1785;  married  to  Josiah 
Collins  of  Edenton,  N.  C;  died  in  New  York  in  December,  1833. 

3.  JohnPugh;  born  July  23, 1789  ;  married  Elizabeth  B.Graham 
of  New  Bern,  N.  C,  January  14,  1830;  died  March  21,  1838.  He 
had  married  twice  previously  :  On  February  4,  18 13,  Mary  Bryan 
Hatch  of  New  Bern,  and  on  February  1,  1816,  at  New  Bern,  Jane 
Reid  Henry  of  New  York.  His  first  wife,  Mary  B.  Hatch,  died 
February  5,  1814;  Jane  Reid  Henry,  his  second  wife,  on  June  9, 
1827,  and  Elizabeth  B.  Graham,  his  third  wife,  on  May  9,  1885. 

Elizabeth  B.  Graham,  third  wife  of  John  Pugh  Daves,  and 
daughter  of  Edward  Graham  and  Elizabeth  Batchelor,  his  wife, 
was  born  in  New  Bern,  August  3,  1804.  Her  mother,  Elizabeth 
Batchelor,  was  born  in  Philadelphia,  September  10,  1772,  in  which 
city  her  parents,  Edward  Batchelor  and  Frances  Henry,  his  wife, 
were  married  October  27,  1768.  They  removed  to  New  Bern, 
where  both  father  and  mother  died  in  November,  1777. 

Elizabeth  Batchelor  was  married  to  Edward  Graham  in  New 
Bern,  June  16,  1795,  and  had  issue  : 

Charles;  born  March  22,  1796  ;  died  July  10,  1797. 

Elizabeth  Batchelor,  mentioned  above. 

Jane  Frances;  born  December  11,  1805;  married  February  1, 
1826,  in  New  Bern,  to  Hon.  Wm.  H.  Haywood  of  Raleigh;  died 
in  Raleigh,  November  14,  1876. 

Hamilton  Claverhouse ;  born  May  17,  1807;  married  Minerva 
Little  of  Littleton,  N.  C,  December  13,  1832,  and  died  August 
30,  1841. 

Edward  Graham,  father  of  Elizabeth  B.  Daves,  was  born  in 
New  York,  February  18,  1764.  His  father,  Ennis  Graham,  was 
born  in  Dadounan,  a  village  of  Argyleshire,  Scotland,  on  the  15th  of 
February,  1724,  and  came  to  New  York  in  1743,  where  he  married, 
first,  Sarah,  daughter  of  John  Man,  on  June  26,  1747,  who  died 


13 

May  25,  1762.  On  July  23,  1763,  he  married  his  second  wife, 
Elizabeth  Wilcocks,  widow  of  an  officer  of  the  British  army,  who 
was  the  mother  of  Edward  above  mentioned.  John  Graham, 
father  of  Ennis,  lived  to  the  age  of  80  years.  Donald,  father  of 
John,  came  to  Argyleshire  from  the  Highlands,  and  attained  an 
age  of  nearly  100  years.  This  genealogy  can  be  extended  by 
actual  documents  to  the  reign  of  David  I.  of  Scotland  ("St. 
David"),  early  in  the  12th  century. 

The  name  Ennis  is  said  to  be  the  same  as  the  Highland  Angus. 
Ennis  Graham  brought  with  him  from  Scotland  his  family  coat  of 
arms,  which,  as  also  pieces  of  his  family  silver,  is  now  in  the  pos- 
session of  his  great-grandson,  Edward  Graham  Daves  of  Baltimore. 

Ennis  Graham  died  in  Bound  Brook,  New  Jersey,  September 
17,  1777;  his  widow,  Elizabeth  Wilcocks,  in  New  York,  in  1804. 

Edward  Graham,  son  of  Ennis,  after  his  graduation  at  Prince- 
ton, in  1785,  read  law  with  Hon.  John  Jay  and  settled  in  New 
Bern  in  the  practice  of  his  profession,  where  he  married  as  already 
stated.  He  died  in  New  Bern,  March  22,  1833,  an<^  his  widow, 
Elizabeth  Batchelor,  on  the  26th  of  April,  1850. 

Jane  Reid  Henry,  second  wife  of  John  P.  Daves,  was  a  niece  of 
Edward  Graham,  daughter  of  his  sister  Elizabeth  and  Michael 
Henry  of  New  York.  Jane  Reid  Henry  was  therefore  first  cousin 
of  Elizabeth  B.  Graham,  third  wife  of  John  P.  Daves. 

4.  Thomas  Haynes,  youngest  of  the  children  of  John  Daves 
and  Mary,  his  wife,  was  born  in  New  Bern,  September  24,  1791. 
He  was  for  many  years  Sheriff  of  Craven  Co.  He  married 
Harriet  Hatch  of  New  Bern,  March  11,  1812,  and  in  January, 
1836,  moved  to  Alabama,  where  he  died,  September  11,  1839. 


Grandchildren  of  John  Daves. 

To  Sally  Eaton  Daves  and  Morgan  Jones  but  one  child  was 
born;  Mary  McKinlay,  on  8th  of  January,  1802.  Her  mother 
dying  when  Mary  was  but  six  weeks  old,  she  was  adopted  by  her 
half  great-uncle,  Eaton  Pugh  of  Northampton  Co.,  who  gave  her 
the  additional  name  of  Pugh.  She  was  married,  March  10, 1825, 
to  Andrew  R.  Govan,  then  a  member  of  Congress  from  South 
Carolina.  They  settled  in  Mississippi,  at  Holly  Springs.  Mary 
Pugh  Govan  died  in  McComb  City,  Miss.,  July  12,  1888. 


14 

Children  of  Ann  Rebecca  Daves  and  Josiah  Collins. 

Ann  Daves;  born  December,  1804;  married  to  Wm.  Biddle 
Shepard  of  New  Bern.     Died  in  1848. 

Mary  Matilda  ;  born  in  1806;  married  to  Dr.  Matthew  Page 
of  Richmond,  Va.     Died  in  1837. 

Josiah;  born  March  25,  1808;  married  Mary  Riggs  of  New 
York  City,  August,  1829,  and  died  in  Hillsboro.  N.  C,  June  16, 

1863. 

Henrietta  Elizabeth  ;  born  in  1810;  married  to  Dr.  Matthew 
Page,  widower  of  her  sister  Mary  Matilda.     Died  in  1868. 

Hugh  Williamson  ;  born  October,  1812,  and  died,  unmarried, 
in  October,  1854. 

John  Daves;  born  in  March,  1814,  and  died,  unmarried,  in 
March,  1862. 

Louisa  McKinlay;  born  in  1817;  married,  first,  to  Dr.  Thos. 
A.  Harrison  of  Charles  City  Co.,  Va.,  and  after  his  death,  to  Rev. 
Wm.  C.  Stickney,  of  Alabama,  in  1863. 

Elizabeth  Alethea;  born  in  1824;  married  to  Dr.  Thos.  D. 
Warren  of  Edenton,  N.  C. 

Louisa  McKinlay  and  Elizabeth  Alethea  only,  of  the  children 
of  Josiah  Collins  and  Ann  Rebecca  Daves,  his  wife,  are  now 
(March,  1892)  living — both  at  Faunsdale,  Ala.  Elizabeth  Alethea 
is  a  widow. 

Children  of  John  Pugh  Daves. 

By  his  first  wife,  Mary  Bryan  Hatch  : 

Sallie  ;  born  January  5,  1814;  died  January  17,  1814. 

By  his  second  wife,  Jane  Reid  Henry  : 

1.  James  McKinlay;  born  December  27,  1816;  died  July  2, 
1838. 

2.  John  Pugh,  born  October  4,  1818. 

3.  Jane  Reid  Henry,  born  November  12,  1820. 

4.  John  Pugh,  born  July  3,  1822. 

5.  Mary  McKinlay,  born  February  20,  1825. 

The  four  children  last  named  died  on  September  10,  1820, 
July  5,  1821,  August  18,  1825,  and  March  13,  1825,  respectively. 

6.  Elizabeth  McKinlay  Collins;  born  May  5,  1827;  mar- 
ried, August  6,  1850,  in  Trinity  Church,  N.  Y.,  to  Wm.  W. 
Roberts  of  New  Bern,  an  officer  of  the  U.  S.  Navy ;  died  in  New 
Bern,  March  6,  1888. 


15 

By  his   marriage  with    Elizabeth  B.  Graham    there  were   six 
children,  viz : 

i.  Jane  Graham;  born  October  8,  1830;  married,  January  24, 

1854,  to  John  Hughes  of  New  Bern,  N.  C. 

2.  John;  born  December  24,  1831 ;  died  at  Beaufort,  October 

1.  1855- 

3.  Edward  Graham  ;  born  March  31,  1833  ;  married,  June  29, 

1855,  Mary  G.  Foster  of  Cambridge,  Mass. 

4.  Mary  McKinlay;  born  January  2,  1835;  married  to  John 
W.  Ellis,  Governor  of  N.  C,  August  11,  1858. 

5.  Graham;  born  July  16,  1836;  married  in  Hillsboro,  Novem- 
ber 27,  1862,  Alice  L.  DeRosset  of  Wilmington,  N.  C. 

6.  Ann  Rebecca  Collins;  born  March  5,  1838;  married  to 
Christopher  W.  McLean,  January  14,  1869,  in  New  Bern,  N.  C. 


Children  of  Thomas  Haynes  Daves  and  Harriet  Hatch, 

his  Wife. 

Mary  Elizabeth  ;  born  August  6,  1813  ;  died  August  15, 1814. 
John;  born  October  2,  18 15. 

Durant;  born  May  28,  1817;  died  in  Mississippi,  1866. 
Thomas  Haynes  ;  died  in  Alabama. 
Lemuel  ;  died  in  Alabama,  1857. 
Pugh. 

John  Witherspoon  ;  born  1829. 

Elizabeth,  an  infant ;  died  in  New  Bern,  N.  C,  September 
28,  1833. 


i6 

Authorities  for  the  several  offices  and  appointments  held  by 
Captain  John  Daves  of  the  North  Carolina  Line  : 

Quartermaster,  June,  1776,  2d  North  Carolina  Regiment; 
American  Archives,  4th  Series,  Vol.  6,  p.  1445;  Colonial  Records 
of  N.  C,  Vol.  X,  p.  621. 

Ensign,  September  30,  1776;  American  Archives,  5th  Series, 
Vol.  1,  p.  1382;  Colonial  Records  of  N.  C,  Vol.  X,  p.  874. 

First  Lieutenant,  October  4, 1777  ;  Army  Returns  (Septem- 
ber 9,  1778),  Department  of  State,  Washington,  D.  C,  Book 
27,  p.  1. 

Assigned  to  3D  Regiment  of  the  new  levies  for  Continental 
service,  1st  January,  1781  ;  Washington  Papers  in  same  Depart- 
ment. 

Promoted  Captain  in  same,  September  8,  1781  ;  Washington 
Correspondence,  same  Department,  Book  100,  p.  172. 

One  of  the  "Officers  who  continued  to  end  of  War"; 
Same,  Book  115,  p.  142-143. 

Honorably  Retired,  January  1,  1783;  Same — Washington 
Papers,  and  in  "  Register  of  the  N.  C.  Line  in  the  late  army  of 
the  United  States,"  July  28,  1791,  Philadelphia,  signed  by  Lynde 
Catlin  and  Benja.  Mifflin.  This  "  Register  "  is  in  the  Depart- 
ment of  State  at  Raleigh,  N.  C. 

Collector  of  the  Port  of  Beaufort  with  office  at  New  Bern  ; 
Act  of  the  General  Assembly  of  N.  C,  Hillsboro  ;  19th  April, 
1784.     Chap.  4,  Sec.  12. 

Commissioner  of  New  Bern,  with  authority  to  convey,  etc., 
lands  in  fee,  May,  1787 ;  Register's  Office,  Craven  County,  N.  C, 
Book  30,  p.  5. 

Collector  of  the  Port  of  New  Bern,  February  9,  1790; 
Executive  Journal  of  Congress,  pp.  37-39. 

Inspector  of  Surveys  and  Ports,  March  6,  1792  ;  Same, 
pp.  102-104;  see  also  p.  in. 

In  a  roster  of"  North  Carolina  Troops  in  the  Continental  Line," 
published  at  Raleigh  in  1884,  by  Col.  Wm.  L.  Saunders,  Secre- 
tary of  State,  will  be  found  a  list  of  the  commissions  held  by 
Captain  John  Daves  as  a  line  officer  of  the  2d  North  Carolina 
Regiment  on  the  Continental  Establishment. 


JAMES  HENDERSON  DICKSON,  A.  M„M.D. 

A  BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCH 

BY 

Thomas  K.  Wood,   WL.    D. 


(Z^fcte^^  eS7^*?j£<s<2^/&< 


N  DE  CEMBER  1S06:  DIED    SEPT2 


[Biographical  Sketch  with  Portrait.J 

The  month  of  September,  1802,  was  one  of  great  calamity  to 
"Wilmington.  The  alarming  forebodings  of  the  visitation  of  yellow 
fever  in  a  pestilential  form  had  ripened  into  a  certainty.  Depleted 
of  her  young  and  active  men,  there  was  only  a  military  garrison  in 
occupation,  and  when  the  presence  of  fever  was  announced  the 
soldiers  were  removed  to  a  safer  locality.  The  cou-  try  people 
taking  a  panic  at  the  news  of  the  presence  of  the  fever  no  longer 
*ent  in  their  supplies.  The  town  was  deserted,  its  silence  only 
broken  by  the  occasional  pedestrian  bound  on  errands  of  mercy 
to  the  sick,  or  the  rumbling  of  the  rude  funeral  cart.  The  blocka  e 
was  being  maintained  with  increased  rigor.  The  only  newspaper 
then  published  was  the  Daily  Journal,  under  the  editorship  of 
James  Fulton,  and  its  issues  were  maintained  under  the  greatest 
-difficulties,  'owing  to  scarcity  of  paper  and  sickness  among  the 
printers.  All  eyes  were  turned  anxiously  toward  the  physicians 
and  those  in  authority  for  help.  To  all  of  the  resident  physicians 
the  disease  was  a  new  one,  not  one  in  the  number  had  ever  seen  a 
•ease  of  yellow  fever,  and  among  them  were  men  of  large  experi- 
ence. The  municipal  authorities  recognized  their  helplessness;  the 
town  was  neglected,  for  it  had  been  overcrowded  with  soldiers  and 
visitors  since  the  early  days  of  the  spring  of  1861.  The  black  pall 
of  smoke  from  the  burning  tar-barrels  added  solemnity  to  the 
deadly  silence  of  the  streets  ;  designed  to  purify  the  air  and  mitigate 
the  pestilence,  they  seemed  more  like  fuliginous  clouds  of  ominous 
portent,  designed  as  a  sombre  emblem  of  mourning.  Panic,  distress, 
mute  despair,  want,  had  fallen  upon  a  population  then  strained  to 
its  utmost  with  the  bleeding  columns  of  its  regiments  dyeing  the 
hills  of  Maryland  with  their  blood,  until  the  whole  air  was  filled 
with  the  wail  of  the  widow  and  orphan,  and  the  dead  could  no 
longer  be  honored  with  the  last  tribute  of  respect. 

The  Wilmington  Daily  Journal  of  September  29th,  1862,  gave 
all  its  available  editorial  space  to  chronicle  for  the  first  time  the 
character  of  the  epidemic,  and  in  a  few  brief  words  to  notice  the 
death  of  some  of  the  more  prominent  citizens.  One  paragraph  in 
the  simple  editorial  notice  ran  as  follows  :     "  Dr.  James  H.  Dickson. 


•2  JAMliS    IIEN'DKRSOX    DICKSO.V,    AM.,    MET. 

a  physician  of  the  highest  character  and  standing  died   here  on? 

Sunday  morning  of  yellow  fever.  I)r  Dickson's  death-  is  a  gr^at 
loss  to  the  profession  and  to  the  community  "  Close  by,  in  another 
uoluran,  from  the  pen  of  the  acting  Adjutant  Lt.  VanBokkelen,  o£ 
the  id  N.  C  Infantry,  numbering  so  many  gallant  souls  of  the 
young  men  of  Wilmington,  was  the  list  of  the  killed  and  wounded- 
from  the  bloody  field  ol  Sharpsbnrg. 

Distressed  and  bereaved  by  this  new  weight  of  sorrow,  Wilmington- 
sat  in  the  mournful  habiliments  of  widowhood,  striving  amidst  the- 
immensity  of  the  struggle,  to  make  her  courageous  voice  heard 
above  all  the  din  of  war  to  nerve  the  brave  hearts  who  stood  as  a* 
girdle  o'i  steel  before  beleaguered  Richmond. 

James  Fulton,  the  well-known  editor  of  the  Journal,  the  wary 
politician  and  the  cautious  editor,  striving  on  the  one  hand  to  keep 
the  worst  from  the  world  lest  the  enemy  might  use  it  to  our  disad- 
vantage, often  ruthlessly  suppressed  from  his  limited  space  such 
matters  as  in  these  days  of  historical  research  might  be  of  the 
greatest  service.  There  were  two  predominant  topics  which 
eclipsed  all  the  impending  sorrow  and  distress — foreign  intervene 
tion,  to  bring  about  a  peace  on  honorable  terms,  and  warnings  to- 
the  State  government  of  the  inadequacy  of  the  defense  of 
Wilmington  harbor  against  the  enemy.  The  former  topic  was 
discussed  with  unvarying  pleasure.  The  horizon  of  the  future  was 
aglow  with  the  rosy  dreams  of  mandates  from  the  English  and 
French  governments  which  would  bring  independence  to  the 
Confederacy  and  peace  and  quietness  to  the  numerous  homes  from 
the  sea  to  the  mountains,  where  sorrow  and  death  had  hung  like  a 
pall.  It  is  not  strange,  therefore,  that  the  few  publications  that 
had  survived  the  scarcity  of  printing  material,  should  have  con- 
tained so  little  of  biographical  matter.  Comrades  dropped  on  the 
right  and  the  left,  but  the  lines  were  closed  up,  the  hurried  tear 
wiped  away,  and  the  line  pushed  steadily  forward.  The  distin- 
guished physician,  or  general,  or  jurist,  as  well  as  the  humble 
private,  got  his  passing  notice  in  the  meagre  letters  which  a  chance 
correspondent  sent  to  one  of  the  few  newspapers,  and  in  a  short 
time  he  was  forgotten  in  the  fresh  calamity  of  the  day. 

We  come  to  our  task,  therefore,  of  sketching  the  biography  of 
Dr.  Dickson,  with  a  sense  of  the  tneagerness  of  the  materials  which 
are  needed  to  do  justice  to  his  memory,  but  with  dppp  respect  and 


.TAJIKS    IIEMJEKSO.V    DICKSON,    AM.,    W.D.  3 

xoneration  for  him  who,  as  citizen,  scholar,  physician  and  patriot, 
lias  left  his  lasting  impress  upon  his  native  town. 

James  Henderson  Dickson  was  the  son  of  James  Dickson,  a 
commission  merchant  of  Wilmington.  He  was  born  in  Wilmington 
December,  1S06.  At  the  very  early  age  of  1  2  or  13  he  was  entered 
at  the  University  as  a  student,  graduating  with  distinction!  in  -the 
class  of  1823,  when  he  was  only  JG  or  17  years  of  i  age.' 

Having  made  choice  of  the  medical"  prdfes'sPd'h,  he  "became  a 
stude>  t  in  the  office  of  Dr.  Armand  J.'"deRosset,  the  senior 
doctor  of  that  name,  and  the  oldest  physician  iu  Wilmington:  The 
office  education  of  a  student  of  that  day  was  not  only  that  of 
reading  through  the  course,  but  of  learning  by  laborious  practice 
the  art  of  pharmacy,  which  included  all  the  manipulations  from 
pulverizing  the  crude'  drug  to  the  completion  of  the  galenical 
compounds. 

He  attended  lectures  at  the  Medical  Department  of  Columbia 
College,  New  York,  now  the  College  of  Physicians  and  Surgeons, 
graduating  before  he  reached  his  majority,  in  1827. 

He  began  the  practice  of  medicine  at  South  Washington,  but 
removed  to  Fayetteville  sometime  in  1827,  where  he  practiced  until 
1837.  During  his  residence  in  Fayetteville  he  cultivated  a  decided 
talent  for  surgery,  particularly  aspiring  to  those  operations  in  which 
there  had  been  but  tew  exploits  before  his  day.  except  by  the  more 
distinguished  teachers.  Among  them  may  be  mentioned  an  opera- 
tion of  direct  transfusion  (in  1833)  from  the  arm  of  one  sister  to 
another,  thereby  saving  her  life.*  The  other  operation  was  more 
notable,  being  one  of  the  earliest  of  the  orthopedic  operations, 
before  there  was  ever  a  science  of  orthopedy,  it  was  a  tenotomy  for 


*At  the  early  date  of  1833  there  are  but  few  successful  cases  of  trans- 
fusion of  blood.  One  by  Bickersteth  ;  one  by  G.  G.  Bird,  Midland 
Medical  and  Surgical  Reporter,  Worcester,  I830 ;  one  by  J.  Blundell, 
London  Lancet,  1829;  one  by  W.  Bingham,  Edinburg  Medical  and 
Surgical  Journal,  1827  ;  one  by  D.  Fox,  London  Medical  and  Physiolo- 
gical Journal,  1827;  one  by  J.  Fraser,  Lancet,  1835;  one  by  J.  Howell, 
London  Lancet,  1828  ;  one  by  Waller,  London  Medical  and  Physiologi- 
cal Journal,  1825;  and  one  in  1826.  Seven  cases  are  all  that  could  be 
gathered  from  "Index  Catalogue  Library  Surgeon  General's  Office," 
and  from  "Neale's  digest." 


4  JAMES    HENDERSON    DICKSON,    A.M.,    M.D. 

a  club-foot,  in  the  person  of  his  own  brother,  Dr.  Robt.  D  Dickson. 
This  operation  was  done  in  1835.* 

From  Fayetteville  he  removed  to  New  York  City,  where  for  four 
years  he  practiced,  returning  to  his  native  home  in  1841  at  the 
solicitation  of  his  father,  whose  health  was  then  declining.  Shortly 
after  his  return  to  Wilmington  be  entered  into  the  practice  of 
medicine  with  Dr  Louis  J.  Poisson  ;  the  latter  gentleman  dying  in 
1842,  a  large  practice  at  once  devolved  upon  him,  increasing  steadily 
to  the  end  of  his  career. 

In  1845  he  married  Miss  Margaret  Owen,  the  daughter  of  General 
James  Owen,  the  first  President  of  the  Wilmington  &  Raleigh 
Railroad  and  a  member  of  Congress  from  the  C  pe  Fear  District 
in  1817. 

Those  few  friends  who  knew  Dr.  Dickson  intimately  always 
regretted  that  his  life-work  had  not  been  the  professor's  chair, 
rather  than  the  routine  of  general  practice.  The  whole  caste  of 
his  intellect  was  that  of  the  profound  student,  and  it  was  very 
remarkable  to  note  with  what  facility  he  would  go  from  the 
drudgery  of  pharmacy  to  the  realms  of  science  and  literature.  In 
those  da}rs  few  general  practitioners  were  so  well  off  that  they  did 
not  have  to  stand  by  the  hour  at  the  pill  tile  after  a  hard  day's 
practice,    making   up    medicines    for   the    messengers    the}'  found 

*The  operation  of  subcutaneous  tenotomy  of  t lie  tendo-aehillia  for 
club-foot  has  been  believed  to  have  been  done  by  Dr.  D'ckson  for  t lie 
first  time  in  the  United  States.  Tbe  friends  of  Dr.  Detmold  have 
claimed  for  him  the  priority,  based  upon  his  reports  in  A  mericryti  Jour- 
nal Medical  Sciences,  1888;  but  investigation  shows  that  Dr.  Nathan 
R.  Smith,  of  Baltimore,  reported  a  ease  of  "division  of  the  tendo 
achillis  for  the  cure  of  club-foot,  American  Journal  Medical  Sciences, 
1830  The  latter  operation  even  antedates  Stromeyers'  operations  in 
1830  1831.  He  introduced  the  surgery  of  club-foot ;  but  his  earliest  work 
•was  in  1S38.  According  to  the  rules,  priority  of  operation  would  not 
be  bestowed  on  Dr.  Dickson,  as  none  of  his  esses  were  reported.  The 
gentleman  upon  whom  Dr.  D.  operated  in  1835  is  now  living,  himself 
a  physician  and  tiie  brother  of  the  operator.  After  all,  priority  is  not 
ho  much  a  ground  for  professional  distinction  as  the  establishment  of  a 
principle.  The  operator  whose  teaching  and  practice  inculcates  new 
methods  that  stand  the  test  of  experience,  whether  he  be  originator 
or  imitator,  is  truly  entitled  to  the  honors.  To  Delpech  we  owe  the 
first  surgical  idea  of  the  treatment  of  club-foot,  and  this  dates  back  to 
1S23,  eight  years  before  Stromeyers'  publication. 


JHOIKS    HENDERSON'    DICKSON,    AM.,    M  I).  O 

waiting  for  their  return  from  their  rounds.  The  .druggist  had  not 
then  become  the  scientific  helper  of  the  people  and  the  doctor,  and 
hours  of  laborious  work  were  spent  in  pharmaceutical  manipulations, 
that  the  present  generation  of  physicians  know  nothing  about. 
The  writer  has  seen  him  many  times  stand  in  his  office,  book  in 
baud,  snatching  a  half  hour  with  a  favorite  author  in  the  lull  of  his 
-busy  rounds.  Studiousness  and  the  habit  of  concentrated  thought 
were  such  marked  characteristics  that  lie  passed  with  the  general 
public,  and  even  with  some  of  his  patients,  as  a  man  of  coldness 
and  austerity,  and  while  it  was  true  that  he  was  a  man  of  too  severe 
dignity  and  too  seriously  engaged  with  the  affairs  of  his  profession 
to  find  time  for  trifles,  he  was  approachable,  responsive  to  the 
demands  of  friendship,  tender  towards  the  afflicted,  helpful  to 
•struggling  young  men,  and  susceptible  to  the  blandishments  of  the 
gay  and  mirthful  in  season. 

His  back  office  was  headquarters  for  old  friends  who  sought  his 
advice  and  opinions  upon  all  subjects,  from  the  management  of 
estates  to  the  burning  of  a  brickkiln  ;  he  was  the  encyclopediac 
referee  of  this  coterie.  The  business  system  then  in  vogue  of 
attending  families  b}7  the  year  for  a  given  sum  placed  the  physician 
■of  that  date  more  in  the  attitude  of  general  medical  and  sanitary 
adviser  than  now.  Those  families  having  large  numbers  of  slaves 
at  work  in  saw  mills,  rice-fields,  brick-yards,  turpentine  orchards 
and  elsewhere,  had  frequently  difficult  problems  before  them,  and 
it  was  not  only  about  the  maintenance  of  health  that  they  were 
•concerned,  but  upon  every  topic  of  domestic  and  manufacturing 
•economy  did  they  come  with  their  difficulties  to  be  solved. 

To  illustrate  his  accessibility  a  friend  related  the  following 
incident  :  "  I  had  been  elected  cashier  of  a  bank  recently  organized, 
but  knew  not  where  to  go  to  secure  bondsmen.  I  was  a  poor  young 
man,  having  no  property  adequate  to  satisfy  the  demand  of  such  a 
large  bond,  and  I  almost  despaired  of  securing  the  situation.  One 
night  happening  in  the  office  of  Dr.  Dickson,  he  noted  my  troubled 
look  and  remarked  upon  it  I  told  him  my  story,  and  he  replied  : 
■"  Well,  William,  if  my  name  is  acceptable  to  your  board  of  directors, 
you  need  not  feel  embarrassed  for  another  day." 

CHAPEL    HILL    ADDRESS. 

Notwithstanding  Dr.  Dickson's  studious  habits,  it  was  known  to 
very  few  that  his  studies  took  as  broad  a  range  as  they  did  in 


0  .TAMKS    IIENDKRSON    DICKSON,    A.M.,    M.n. 

general  scienco  and  literature,  until  In  1853  he  was  invited  by  the- 
Alumni  Association  of  the  University  of  North  Carolina  to  deliver 
an  address  before  that  body. 

His  classmates  found  that  Dr.  Dickson  had  made  good  use  of 
the  time  which  had  elapsed  since  his  graduation,  and  that  he  had 
returned  to  his  Alma  Muter  the  ripe  seholar  as  well  as  the  distin- 
guished physician.  His  address  from  beginning  to  end  indicated 
the  atmosphere  of  broad  scientific  study  from  which  he  caught  his- 
inspiration.  His  busy  mind  had  intelligently  grasped  the  progress 
science  was  making,  and  he  revelled  in  the  glories  of  the  achieve- 
ments, not  only  of  those  sciences  collateral  to  medicine,  and  which  the 
educated  physician  of  broad  reading  would  be  expected  to  master  as 
an  accomplishment,  but  mathematics,  astronomy,  geology,  physics, 
were  all  passed  in  review.  Nor  was  this  all — profoundly  imbued 
with  the  national  spirit,  he  turned  with  pride  to  the  American 
historians,  scholars,  scientists  and  artists  with  a  familiarity  which 
showed  the  bent  of  his  tastes,  and  how  thoroughly  he  was  abreast 
of  all  the  progressive  work  in  all  departments. 

Me  gave  in  this  address  the  key-note  of  his  own  career.  In 
deprecating  the  utilitarian  standard  of  professional  accomplish- 
ments he  says  ;  "*  *  *  But  we  object  to  an  exclusive  devotion 
to  such  pursuits  as  having  a  tendency  to  narrow  and  contract  the 
mind.  Nor  does  it  generally  lead  to  the  attainment  of  the  highest 
professional  reputation.  Marshall  and  Story  were  not  mere  lawyers, 
but  men  of  enlarged  and  profound  scholarship.  Mere  professional 
attainments  would  probably  never  have  elevated  Jeffre}r  or 
Brougham  to  the  peerage  ;  Armstrong  and  Darwin*  are  hardly 
known  except  as  poets,  and  the  literary  fame  of  Burke  and 
Clarendon  completely  eclipses  their  professional  reputation.  A  low- 
degree  of  knowledge  and  an  imperfect  discipline  of  the  mind  is 
the  necessary  result,  where  the  standard  of  present  utility  is  set  up, 
as  the  measure  of  its  value. 

"It  is  in:leed  an  ignoble  principle  of  action — a  mode  of  thinking 
which  casts  a  deadly  blight  upon  morals,  literature  and  art,,  and 
extinguishes  all  high  aspirations  after  the  beautiful  and  ideal,  either 

*Dr.  Erasmus  Darwin,  the  author  of  "Zoonomia  "  and  "The  Botanic 
Garden." 


JAMES    HENDERSON    DICKSON,    A.M.,    M  D.  7 

in  life  or  literature.     We  are   told   by  the   poet,  and   with  truth, 

that 

"Man  loves  knowledge,  and  the  light  of  truth 
More  welcome  strikes  his  understanding's  eye 
Than  all  the  blandishments  of  sound,  his  ear, 
Than  all  of  taste,  his  tongue." 

The  general  public  had  now  learned,  what  his  few  intimate  friends 
already  knew,  that  the  revered  physician  was  ripening  in  the  higher 
culture  of  the  philosopher,  the  literateur,  and  the  man  of  science. 

WILMINGTON    LIBRARY    ASSOCIATION. 

In  1860  Dr.  Dickson  and  his  intimate  friend,  the  Hon.  George 
Davis,  conceived  the  design  of  founding  a  public  libraiy.  Starting 
out  one  day  with  the  warm  impulse  of  establishing  for  their  native 
town  the  social  and  literary  advantages  of  a  library  of  choice 
literature,  they  secured  as  the  work  of  one  day's  solicitation  eighteen 
hundred  dollars  with  which  to  purchase  books.  These  gentlemen 
with  rare  judgment  prepared  a  list  of  volumes,  not  only  represent- 
ing the  standard  authors  of  the  day,  but  the  best  editions  in  superior 
library  binding,  which  Dr.  Dickson  selected  during  a  special  visit 
to  New  York  City.  This  collection,  although  plundered  by  the 
army  of  occupation,  reflects  now  their  literary  tastes  and  judgment, 
and  forms  the  basis  of  the  Wilmington  Library  Association. 
Before  his  death  he,  with  his  associates,  had  found  a  home  for  their 
collection  in  the  City  Hall  building,  in  the  room  now  used  as  the 
Mayor's  office,  but  the  outbreak  of  the  war  interrupted  literary 
pursuits,  and  the  cherished  objects  of  the  Library  were  not  fulfilled. 
He  was  chosen  the  first  President  of  the  Wilmington  Library 
Association  in  I860. 

His  address  before  the  general  public  was  on  the  subject  then 
near  to  his  heart,  and  was  entitled,  Some  Remarks  upon  Books 
and  Libraries.  He  followed  Mr.  Davis,*  whose  reputation  as  a 
public  speaker  was  State-wide,  and  none  who  heard  the  fervid 
eloquence  of  Dr.  Dickson  when  he  apostrophized  the  book  of  all 
books — the  Holy  Scriptures — will  ever  forget  the  murmur  of 
applause  which  seized  the  surprised  audience  that,  for  the  first 
time,  discovered  he  was  more  than  a  skilled  physician,  the  sympa- 
thizing succorer  of  the  distressed — he  was  a  literary  man  of  the 

*Mr.  Davis  had  delivered  a  lecture  as  a  part  of  this  course  on  "The 
Good  Old  Times  ;  When  Were  They  ?  " 


S  JAMES    HENDERSON    DICKSOV,    A.M.,    M T>. 

highest  culture,  and  a  speaker  of  distinguished  merits.  Even  to 
this  day,  the  impress  of  that  famous  address  is  remembered  and 
recognized  as  the  inauguration  of  a  literary  movement  in  the 
community.  The  address  was  not  published,  and  it  is  not  known 
if  the  manuscript  copy  exists.  His  office  was  plundered  by  the 
army  of  occupation  and  his  papers  strown  into  the  streets  by  the 
Federal  soldiers  or  camp-followers.  His  mvn  library,  to  which  in 
1S58  and  subsequently  he  had  made  such  large  additions,  had  been 
sent  to  Laurinburg  for  safet}r,  was  captured  at  that  place,  ami  the 
last  known  of  it  it  was  on  board  a  Federal  gun-beat  being  .carried 
down  the  river. 

THE    MEDICAL    SOCIETV    OF    THE    STATE. 

When  the  call  for  the  Convention  for  the  organization  of  a  State 
Medical  Society  was  made  in  1840,  Dr  Dickson,  although  he  was 
not  of  the  number,  was  known  to  have  been  in  hearty  accord  with 
the  movement,  but  he  was  tied  down  by  the  burdens  of  an  exacting 
practice.  He  became  a  member  of  the  Medical  Society  of  North 
Carolina  in  May,  1852,  and  in  1854  he  was  made  its  President. 
The  weight  of  his  influence  was  given  in  the  forming  of  a  State 
Board  of  Medical  Examiners,  and  when  this  dream  of  its  sanguine 
promoters  was  realized  in  1S59,  he  was  chosen  to  be  the  first 
President  of  that  new  body.  His  associates  were  Otis  F.  Man  son, 
J.  G.  Tull,  C.  Happoldt,  \V.  H.  McKee,  Charles  E  Johnson  and 
Caleb  Winslow,  all  men  of  excellent  attainments — a  worthy  Board, 
to  which  was  entrusted  the  first  experiment  in  Medical  State  Exam- 
inations in  the  United  States. 

Dr.  Dickson  delivered  the  annual  address  before  the  Medical 
Society  at  its  meeting  in  Fayetteville  in  May,  185;*.  His  subject 
was  "Respiration"  in  its  relation  to  Animal  Heat,  Heart's  Action 
and  Nerve  Force.  His  review  of  the  theories  was  a  masterly 
exposition  of  what  was  then  held,  by  the  best  teachers,  beginning 
with  the  theory  of  Mayo,  (*1674,  Medico- Chirurg  Jieview),  that 
"the  effect  of  respiration  was  to  generate  heat,  and  not  to  cool  the 
blood  heated  by  its  rapid  circulation  throughout  the  body,  *  *  * 
and  that  it  does  this  by  a  process  analogous  to  combustion."  In 
turn  he  discussed  the  theory  of  Lavoisier,  that  heat  was  caused  by 
the  combustion  of  carbon  in  the  lungs,  pointing  out  the  objection 


*Original  Essay  Tractatus  de  Respiratione,  1668. 


JAMKS     IIKMMCI  Si'N     DICKSON,     A.M.,    MI).  '» 

hold  to  that  theory.  He  took  up  the  ex  peri  merits  of  Dulong,  who 
set  forth  that  there  was  much  more  oxygen  absorbed  by  the  respira- 
tory process  than  was  necessary  to  convert  the  carbon  i  to  carbonic 
acul — sometimes  amounting  to  fully  one-third  more  Dulong's 
conjecture  that  inspir  -d  oxygen  was  expended  in  the  combustion 
of  hydrogen,  thus  accounting  for  watery  vapor  exhaled.  Liebig's 
view  that  the  carbon  and  hydrogen  of  the  food,  in  being  converted 
by  oxygen  into  beat  as  if  they  were  burned  in  the  open  air — the 
Only  difference  is  that  the  heat  is  spread  over  unequal  spaces  of 
time,  but  the  actual  amount  is  always  the  same  in  the  torrid  as  in 
the  frigid  zone.  Against  this  theory  the  essayist  weighed  the 
opinion  of  Graves,  holding  in  the  main  to  the  theory  of  Liebig. 
Claude  Bernard's  account  of  the  glycogenic  functions  of  the  liver, 
showing  that  the  liver  had  the  important  function  of  preparing 
respiratory  pabulum. 

After  reviewing  the  various  theories  he  goes  on  to  say  that  he  is 
"  inclined  to  regard  the  opinion  of  the  older  physiologists,  which 
ascribed  a  refrigerating  effect  to  the  respiratory  process,  to  some 
extent,  as  well  founded."  He  did  not  believe  that  the  primary  or 
more  esse  tial  function  of  the  lungs  was  to  sustain  animal  heat. 
"  If,  then,  neither  the  maintenance  of  the  animal  temperature  nor 
the  excretion  of  carbonic  acid  be  regarded  as  the  essential  function 
of  respiration,  where  shall  we  seek  an  explanation  of  it?"  His 
inferenc  •  was  that  the  preservation  of  the  motion  of  the  heart, 
including  withal  that  of  the  muscular  system  and  the  maintenance 
of  nerve  force,  were  the  essential  and  primary  object  of  respiration, 
although  he  by  no  means  underrated  the  calorific  function  of 
respiration.  Forty  years  ago  and  now,  physiology  was  a  very 
different  thing,  but  the  philosophical  spirit  of  the  older  teachers 
compensated  largely  for  their  deficiency  of  our  moder.i  facts. 

The  lengthiest  medical  contribution  which  Dr.  Dickson  gave  to 
the  public  was  a  "  Report  of  the  Medical  Topography  and  Epidemics 
of  North  Carolina,"  made  to  the  Transactions  of  the  American 
Medical  Association  in  1860.  The  basis  of  this  paper  is  in  part  the 
collection  of  observations  from  physicians  in  several  sections  of  the 
State,  together  with  his  own  observations,  upon  the  geographical 
distribution  of  disease  in  the  various  sections,  with  a  somewhat 
detailed  account  of  them.  This  report  remains  to  this  day  the 
fullest  description  of  our  endemic  and  epidemic  diseases,  and  was 


10  JAMKS     IIK.ND.RSON     DICKSON,     A.M.,    M.O. 

a  fair  index  of  the  capabilities  of  the  writer  i  •  description  and 
editing  the  material  of  others.  The  older  members  of  the  Medical 
Society  of  North  Carolina  will  be  familiar  with  this  production, 
doubtless,  but,  in  the  light  of  our  knowledge  of  the  changes 
wrought  in  the  characters  of  all  diseases  by  the  two  visitations  of 
epidemic  influenza  in  1889-1890,  they  may  be  impressed  with  the 
necessity  of  a  wider  range  of  the  study  of  epidemiology 

The  description  given  to  this  paper  of  "Feb. is  Remittens 
Convulsiva,"  puts  on  record  for  the  first  time  a  description  of  a 
disease  that  was  very  fatal  until  its  true  nature  was  discerned. 
Dr.  Dickson  says:  "In  this  class  of  cases  the  first,  and  some- 
times the  second,  paroxysms  of  fever  may  be  unattended  with 
the  appearance  of  alarming  symptoms,  but  the  third  paroxysm  is 
apt  to  be  ushered  in  with  a  convulsion  which  seems  to  replace  the 
cold  stage  of  the  same  disease  in  adults,  and  which  is  always  so 
alarming  and  dangerous  an  occurrence  as  to  make  it  prudent  to  cut 
short  the  disease  once  by  bringing  the  system  very  rapidly  under 
the  potent  influence  pf  the  febrifuge."  He  modestly  accords  the 
originality  of  this  suggestion  to  Dr.  Henry  F.  Campbell,  of 
Augusta. 

Typhoid  fever  was  a  stranger  to  the  Eastern  part  of  North 
Carolina  until  in  the  fifties,  as  Dr.  Dickson  intimates,  and  "  When 
it  first  began  to  prevail  in  the  Eastern  section  of  this  State,  cases 
exhibiting  the  blending  or  commingling  of  this  type  of  fever  with 
remittent  fever  were  by  no  means  uncommon,  and  in  these  cases  it 
was  necessary  to  keep  in  view  its  hybrid  character  in  the  treatment ; 
such  cases  could  not  well  be  treated  without  quinine."  Here  we 
have  an  anticipation  of  Dr.  Woodward's  theory,  for  which  at  the 
International  Medical  Congress  in  1876  he  introduced  the  name  of 
typho-malarial  fever. 

In  this  essay  is  described  for  the  first  time  the  invasion  of  cerebro- 
spinal meningitis,  which  invaded  Davie  county  in  185fi,  as  reported 
by  Drs.  Summerell,  Kelly  and  Sharpe. 

At  the  Salisbury  meeting  of  the  Society,  May  15,  1855,  Dr. 
Dickson  delivered  his  valedictory  address,  on  the  completion  of  the 
second  term  of  his  presidency. 

How  nearly  his  life  and  death  comported  with  his  own  model  we 
will  let  an  extract  from  this  address  tell  : 

"In  times  of  public   calamity  arising   from   the    visitations  of 


JAMBS    HKNDEIiSO.V    DICKSON,    A.M.,    M.I).  II 

fearful  epidemics,  who  but  a  physician  is  looked  up  to,  in  aid  of 
the  public  authoMty,  to  suggest  the  means  of  escaping  from,  or  of 
lessening,  their  desAictive  progress?  What  other  class  of  citizens 
is  there  which  can  imijjire  the  panic-stricken  with  confidence  or  the 
despairing  with  hope?  And  may  I  not  add,  what  other  class  have 
exhibited  moie  ab  egation  of  self  or  heroic  devotedness  to  the 
great  cause  of  humanity  in  its  trying  hours?  If  proof  were 
needed,  I  might  point  to  a  long  list  of  professional  martyrs,  who 
have  exhibited  the  calmest  courage  amidst  scenes  which  have 
paled  the  cheek  of  the  soldier,  and  have  not  flinched  from  the 
discharge  of  duty  at  the  risk  of  life.  We  must  remark,  too,  that 
they  were  not  influenced  by  the  ordinary  motives  which  influence 
the  soldier  in  the  exhibition  of  noble  daring  in  the  field  of  battle. 
There  are  no  applauding  thousands  to  witness  their  deeds  of  heroic 
daring— to  shout  in  their  ears  the  grateful  sound  of  many-voiced 
applause — they  are  not  surrounded  by  the  pomp  and  ciicumstance 
of  glorious  war — no  laurel  decorates  their  brow — no  monument  is 
reared  to  perpetuate  their  fame  After  spending  their  lives  in  the 
daily  performance  of  deeds  which  might  well  put  the  philanthropy 
of  a  Howard  to  the  blush,  they  descend  to  the  tomb  unheralded  by 
the  world's  applause.  The  world  has  other  matters  to  attend  to, 
other  schemes  to  plan  and  accomplish,  and  the  memory  of  its 
humble,  unpretending  benefactors  passes  away  with  the  passing 
hour.  This  is  no  fancy  picture,  gentlemen.  Its  literal  counterpart 
was  enacted  in  the  y  ar  that  has  past,  on  our  very  borders,  in  the 
cities  of  Savannah,  Charleston  and  Augusta,  and  must  be  fresh  in 
the  recollection  of  us  all.  If  the  world  chooses  to  ignore  such 
devotion  to  the  great  cause  of  humanity,  let  us  the  more  fervently 
cherish  the  recollection  of  their  virtues,  and  firmly  resolve  to 
imitate  their  noble  example  by  a  like  devotion  to  duty,  should 
circumstances  unfortunately  devolve  upon  us  the  task." 

In  politics  Dr.  Dickson  was  a  staunch  Whig  of  the  old  school, 
and  when  the  political  agitations  which  led  up  to  the  war  were 
stirring  the  people  with  the  strongest  indignation  against  the 
attitude  of  the  North,  he  counselled  prudence  and  moderation. 
That  he  was  one  of  a  very  small  minority  favoring  the  settlement 
of  the  troubles  in  a  friendly  way,  made  him  none  the  less  resolute 
for  the  Union. 

Looking  over  the  files  of  the  Wilmington  Daily  Journal  of  1861, 


12  JAMES    HKNDBR80N    DICKSON,    A.M.,    M.I). 

our  eve  lit  upon  the  announcement  of  a  Union  meeting  to  be  held 
January  11th.  The  meeting  was  addressed  byF.  D.  Poisson,  J.  (i. 
Burr,  George  Davis  and  James  H.  Dickson.  The  account  reads  : 
"Resolutions  were  passed  in  favor  of  the  settlement  of  the  existing 
difficulties  in  the  Union,  and  endorsing  as  a  basis  for  such  settle 
inent  the  propositions  brought  forth  by  Senator  Crittenden.  In 
(his  meeting  Dr.  Dickson  followed  Mr.  George  Davis,  "deprecating 
secession  as  a  disunion  of  the  South,  and  as  inadequate  to  remedy 
the  evils  complained  of  by  the  South.  If  the  North  would  not 
listen  to  the  united  demands  of  the  South,  then  the  fifteen  Southern 
States  would  be  justified  in  snapping  the  bonds  that  bind  us  to  the 
North.  The  meeting  adjourned  with  three  cheers  for  the  Star 
Spangled  Banner."  lie  lived  to  see  his  efforts  for  his  country  for 
reconciliation  fail,  and  no  Southern  man  aligned  himself  with  the 
destiny  of  the  Confederacy  with  more  earnest  courage.  Hopeful 
of  success  lie  was  not,  but,  like  most  of  the  staunchest  who  were 
for  the  Union  as  long  as  there  was  any  prospect  for  its  restoration, 
he  unflinchingly  cast  all  of  his  fortunes  with  his  people 

So  great  were  the  demands  of  his  large  practice,  for  him  to 
accept  a  position  in  the  army  was  not  to  be  thought  of.  He 
remained  faithfully  at  his  post,  ministering  to  the  sick  at  home. 
On  the  Oth  May,  of  18G1,  he  presided  over  the  meeting  of  the 
Board  of  Medical  Examiners  at  Morganton,  the  last  meeting  held 
until  the  war  ended. 

It  is  not  worth  while,  at  this  late  day,  to  discuss  the  cause  of  the 
yellow  fever  in  Wilmington  in  1802.  For  half  a  century  there  had 
been  no  such  visitation,  and  there  was  no  physician  then  in  practice 
who  had  seen  a  case  of  the  disease.  It  was  evident  in  August  of 
that  year  that  there  was  an  unusual  number  of  cases  of  fatal  fever. 
Dr.  Dickson  made  a  report  to  John  Dawson,  Mayor,  declaring  the 
presence  of  yellow  fever  on  September  17th  (the  letter  in  the  Daily 
Journal  is  undated).  His  report  went  on  to  say  that  there  had 
been  no  new  cases  since  the  10th  of  September,  and  he  hoped  that 
this  lull  in  the  fever  was  due  to  the  sanitary  measures  that  had  been 
adopted  by  the  town. 

On  the  23d  September  Dr.  Dickson  went  home  with  a  chill  which 
he  recognized  as  the  first  stage  of  yellow  fever.  He  was  faithfully 
attended  by  Mrs.  Dickson  during  his  entire  sickness  and  she  fell  a 
victim  to  the  disease,  but  finally  recovered.     He  was   under  the 


JAMES    HENDERSON    DICKSON,    A.M.,    M  I).  1 A 

constant  care  of  the  physicians  then  in  town,  and  especially  by  the 
senior  Dr.  McRee,  who  attended  him  day  and  night  until,  on 
Sunday  morning,  the  28th,  his  spirit  returned  to  God   who  gave  it. 

The  following  appeared  in  the  ATo?'th  Carolina  Presbyterian  of 
the  issue  succeeding  the  announcement  in  the  Wilmington  Daily 
Journal : 

"  In  our  last  number  we  published  a  short  list  of  prominent 
citizens  who  died  of  yellow  fever  in  Wilmington  ;  and,  amongst 
others,  was  observed  the  name  of  Dr.  James  H.  Dickson,  a  citizen 
of  high  standing  and  an  eminent  physician.  But,  more  than  this, 
he  was  a  man  of  exalted  piety.  For  some  years  he  had  been  an  elder 
in  the  Presbyterian  Church,  and  was  most  faithful  and  zealous  in 
the  discharge  of  his  duties.  On  the  appearance  of  yellow  fever  in 
Wilmington  he  determined  to  stand  bravely  at  his  post,  and  was 
engaged  in  the  noble  work  of  alleviating  the  sufferings  of  his 
fellow-man  when  he,  too,  was  stricken  down  by  the  fearful  epidemic. 
But  death  had  no  terrors  for  this  good  man.  He  died,  as  he  had 
lived,  a  shining  example  of  true  piety  and  religious  devotion.  We 
fully  concur  in  the  remark  made  to  us  by  a  friend  on  hearing  of 
his  death  :    '  No  man  was  better  prepared  to  die  than  Dr.  Dickson.'  " 

Only  a  week  elapsed  between  his  official  announcement  of  the 
fever  to  the  Mayor  and  his  own  seizure,  and  in  five  days  after  he 
was  dead  By  the  advice  of  the  physicians  all  persons  left  town 
that  had  not  already  been  scattered  in  a  panic  previously,  and  the 
death  of  Dr.  Dickson  spread  sadness  and  dismay  over  the  town 
and  the  country  around.  Many  anxious  families  had  centred  their 
hopes  on  his  professional  wisdom  and  skill ;  most  of  them,  too  poor 
to  leave  town  except  by  the  impulsion  of  the  direct  necessity, 
had  their  hopes  now  crushed  by  his  death. 

At  this  distance  from  the  sad  calamity  of  his  death,  it  is  even 
now  difficult  to  estimate  his  true  worth.  His  portrait,  which  accom- 
panies this  sketch,  denotes  the  serious  demeanor,  the  reflective 
mind,  the  intellectual  cast.  He  was  taciturn  at  times,  but  it  was 
rather  the  wisdom  of  knowing  when  to  speak,  than  the  lack  of 
opinions  and  thoughts.  Apparently  austere  at  times,  it  was  only  the 
inflexibility  of  steel  when  truth  was  at  stake.  In  the  sick  room  he  had 
not  the  loquacity  which  pleases  the  valetudinarian,  but  in  time  of 
peril,  quickness  of  discernment,  accuracy  of  knowledge,  fertility  of 
resource,  and  withal  gentleness  of  touch.     His  visits  were  short, 


14  .TAMES    HENDERSON    DICKSON,    A.M.,    M.I>. 

his  words  were  few,  bis  sympathy,  though  unexpressed,  was  great. 
Many  have  been  the  expressions  of  surprise  and  delight  from  the 
people  in  moderate  circumstances,  who,  asking  their  accounts  from 
him,  found  that  the  arduous  services  rendered  had  been  estimated 
according  to  the  purse  of  the  recipient. 

The  fame  which  survives  the  medical  man  is  largely  estimated  l>y 
his  literary  contributions.  This  is  a  method  which  would  be  unjust 
to  the  memory  of  Dr.  Dickson.  Although  living  the  life  of  the 
student,  and  having  no  superior  and  few  equals  in  scholarship  in 
the  profession,  so  great  were  the  burdens  of  his  practice,  that  there 
was  little  time  for  authorship.  The  glimpses  we  have,  though,  of 
his  ability  as  a  writer,  show  the  quality  of  his  trained  mind  and  the 
graceful  flow  of  his  sentences.  His  vocabulary  was  rich,  his  research 
extensive,  and  before  his  death  he  easily  held  the  highest  position 
for  literary  culture  among  his  professional  contemporaries. 

By  his  people — his  family — his  patients — his  memory  is  not 
reveled  for  scholarship,  but  for  his  skill  as  a  ph)sician  and  his 
consecrated  Christian  character.  The  mournful  recollection  that 
he  untiinclungly  perilled  his  life  for  them,  is  a  heritage  far  richer 
than  the  applause  of  enraptured  multitudes.  His  was  the  exempli- 
fication of  a  Christian  courage  which  has  nerved  many  another  heart 
to  go  to  the  silent  duty  to  meet  "  the  pestilence  that  walketh  in  dark- 
ness," counting  life  not  too  dear  to  peril  it  all  for  the  sick  and  helpless. 

His  own  words  are  best  fitted  to  close  this  memorial.  They  are 
but  the  prophetic  forecast  of  that  to  which  he  attained  : 

"  But  in  striving  after  the  attainment  of  a  high  order  of  scholar- 
ship and  the  acqusition  of  human  learning,  let  us  not  forget  that 
man  has  a  moral,  as  well  as  an  intellectual,  nature — that  human 
learning,  scientific  knowledge,  as  we  call  it,  is  but  the  outward 
garment,  the  artificial  iuvestiture  of  truth — that  our  emotional 
feelings  and  affections  have  a  higher  dignity,  a  holier  sanctity,  than 
our  intellectual  powers.  Let  us  not  neglect  the  teaching  of  that 
prima  philosophia,  that  supreme  wisdom,  which  not  only  sheds  its 
bright  light  on  the  pathway  of  life,  but  spans  with  its  iridescent 
radiance  the  dark  clouds  which  overhang  the  tomb — penetrates  the 
otherwise  impenetrable  and  obscure,  and  intermingles  its  cheering 
beams   with  the  glorious  effulgence  of  eternal  day — that  wisdom 

which 

"  Makes  us  brave 

In  the  great  faith  of  life  beyond  the  grave.'' 


JAMES    HENDERSON    DICKSON,    A.M.,    M.D.  15 

BIBLIOGRAPHY. 

A  Sketch  of  the  Topography  and  of  the  Diseases  which  have 
Prevailed  in  the  Town  of  Wilmington,  North  Carolina,  during  the 
decade  embraced  by  the  years  1841  and  1850  ;  10  pp.  Transactions 
.Medical  Society  North  Carolina,  Wilmington,  May,  1852. 

Address  on  Respiration  :  Source  of  animal  heat,  contractions  of 
th«  heart,  nerve  force  [no  title],  delivered  before  the  Medical  Society 
of  North  Carolina,  at  its  Fourth  Annual  Meeting,  in  Fayetteville, 
May,  1S53  ;   15  pp.     Transactions,  1853. 

An  Address  delivered  before  the  Alumni  Association  of  the 
University  of  North  Carolina,  June,  1853.  Pamphlet,  43  pp. 
Raleigh,  1853. 

Valedictory  Address,  delivered  before  the  Medical  Society  of 
North  Carolina,  at  Salisbury,  May,  1855  ;  pp.  6.  Transactions, 
1850. 

Report  on  the  Topography  and  Diseases  of  North  Carolina, 
delivered  before  the  American  Medical  Association,  1860. 


LIBRARY. 


BIOGEAPHIOAL  SKETCH 
OF 

LIEUT.  COL.  "HAL"  DIXON. 


0 


By    D.    SCHENCK. 


North  Carolina  University  Magazine, 

Old  series,  vol  mill.     No.  I— October,  1895.      New  series,  vol.  xv, 

BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH    OF    LIEUT.    COL. 
"HAL"  DIXON. 

THE  CHEVALIER  BAYARD  OF  THE  REVOLUTIONARY 

WAR. 

In  September  1889,  when  I  published  my  history  en- 
titled, "North  Carolina,  •  1780 -'81"  it  contained,  on 
pages  465-466,  this  paragraph: 

"Perhaps  the  most  brilliant  officer,  whose  services 
"enriched  the  annals  of  that  memorable  invasion, 
"was  MA  J,  "HAL"  DIXON,  whose  dashing-  and 
"impetuous  course  was  so  splendidly  displayed 
"among-  the  scattered  leg-ions  of  Gates,  at  Cam- 
"den.  He  refused  to  fiV  when  his  comrades  had 
"been  driven  from-. the  field  and  his  devoted  band 
"had  been  left  exposed  to  the  bayonet  charge  on 
"its  front  and  flanks.  With  a  fierce  spirit  he 
"faced  his  battalion  to  the  charg-e,  from  either 
"side,  and  foug-ht  'as  long  as  a  cartridge  was  in 
"his  belt;'  then,  resorting  to  the  bayonet  himself, 
"he  cut  his  way  through  the  attacking-  force  and 
"made  good  his  retreat.  We  know  from  the  ros- 
"ter  that  he  died  July  17th,  1782,  after  Independ- 
ence had  been  won;  but  where  he  closed  his  eyes 
"in  death,  or  where  is  his  unmarked  grave,  we 
"cannot  tell."  His  letters,  in  1781,  several  times, 
"speak  of  returning  to  Caswell  County,  and  it 
"may  be  that  hisTremains  rest  there,  'in  hope 
"again  to  rise."' 
Since  that  time  I  have  lost  no  opportunity  to  gather 


2  University    Magazine. 

information  in  regard  to  this  remarkable  soldier,  who 
flashed  across  our  Revolutionary  horizon  like  a  meteor, 
and  then  sunk  into  oblivion  from  which  it  seemed,  for 
awhile,  that  he  would  never  be  rescued. 

But  during-  the  World's  Columbian  Exposition,  Col. 
Thos.  B.  Keog-h,  of  Greensboro.  North  Carolina,  was 
accidently  introduced  to  Henry  C.  Dixon,  Esq.,  of 
Henderson,  Kentucky,  and  being-  struck  with  the  name 
he  inquired  of  Mr.  Dixon  as  to  his  family,  and  was  in- 
formed that  Mr.  Dixon  was  the  great  grandson  of 
Col.  "Hal"  Dixon,  of  North  Carolina,  and  a  son  of  the 
Hon.  Archibald  Dixon,  who  succeeded  Henry  Clay  as- 
United  States  Senator  from  Kentucky,  in  1852.  I  af- 
terward formed  a  correspondent's  aquaintance  with 
Dr.  A.  C.Posey,  of  San  Francisco,  California,  another 
great  grandson  of  Col.  "Hal"  Dixon,  and  to  these  two 
g-entlemen  I  am  indebted,  chiefly,  for  the  following-  ac- 
count of  the  Dixon  family. 

It  was  a  Scotch  Irish  family,  that  prolific  source  of 
American  patriotism,  from  which  has  sprung-  so  many 
American  soldiers  and  statesmen. 

Col.  Henry  Dixon,  known  to  his  comrades  and 
friends,  as  "Hal"  (says  Maj.  Joseph  Graham)  was  a 
citizen  of  Caswell  County,  North  Carolina.  I  cannot 
locate  his  homestead  exactly.  It  is  supposed  by  his 
descendants  that  he  had  two  brothers,  William  and 
Robert,  who  resided  in  Duplin  County,  North  Caro- 
lina, and  another  brother,  Maj.  Joseph  Dixon,  of  Lin- 
coln County,  N.  C,  a  distinguished  Militia  soldier,  who 
served  under  General  William  Lee  Davidson,  and  after- 
wards under  General  Pickens,  in  the  campaigm  around 
Hillsboro,  ag-ainst  Cornwallis,  in  1781.  Maj.  Dixon 
also  represented  Lincoln  County  in  the  Leg-islature, 
and  was  one   of    the   most    prominent  persons    in    that 


Sketch  of  Lieut.  Col.  "Hal"  Dixon.  3 

County.  William  and  Robert  were  also  members  of 
the  Legislature. 

Lieut.  Col.  "Hal"  Dixon,  the  subject  of  this  sketch, 
married  Frances  Wynne, J  by  whom  he  had  seven 
children,  Susanna,  Henry,  Robert,  Martha,  Wynne, 
Rogers 'and  Eliza.  The  dates  of  his  birth  and 
marriage  are  unknown.  He  was  probably  born  about 
the  middle  of  the  eighteenth  century. 

When  the  mother  country  began  to  oppress  the  Col- 
onies with  the  stamp  duties  and  tax  on  Tea,  and  when 
the  sentiment  in  North  Carolina  was  fast  drifting  to- 
wards a  Declaration  of  Independence,  the  Legislature 
met  at  Hillsboro,  the  21st  day  of  August,  1775.  One 
of  the  first  acts  of  that  body  in  preparing  for  the  war, 
which  seemed  unavoidable  to  her  political  leaders,  was 
an  Act  to  raise  two  Continental  Regiments,  which  had 
been  called  for  by  Congress,  and  which  were  to  serve  du- 
ring the  war.  Of  the  first  Regiment,  James  Moore 
was  appointed  Colonel;  Francis  Nash,  Lieut.  Colonel; 
and  Thomas  Clarke,  Major.  There  were  ten  compa- 
nies and  ten  captains  in  each  Regiment.  Among  these, 
was  Captain  "Hal"  Dixon. 

Thus  early  do  we  find  Capt.  Dixon  responding  to 
the  call  of  his  country  for  men  to  defend  her  rights  and 
honor.  He  was  probably  thirty  to  thirty-five  years 
old  at  that  time,  with  a  growing  family  in  Caswell 
County.  He  was  not  a  professional  gentleman  nor  a 
political  leader.  He  preferred  military  service  to 
either  of  these  callings;  his  ardent  nature  was  stirred 
by  the  call  to  arms,  and  he  was  ready  at  the  sound  of 
the  bugle  to  follow  where  danger  and  glory  awaited 
him.  He  was  willing  to  sacrifice  the  comforts  of  home 
and  the  companionship  of  wife  and  children  for  the  dis- 
cipline  and  hardships  of  the  camp  and    the  company  of 


4  University   Magazine,. 

the  stalwart  patriots,  who  had  volunteered  to  follow  the 
flag-  which  he  bore. 

The  first  Regiments  were  composed  of  the  flower  of 
the  youth  in  the  State,  and  their  officers  were  generally 
gentlemen  of  means  and  culture  and  a  high  sense  of 
honor.  The  demoralization  which  follows  in  the  wake 
of  privation  and  suffering  had  not  yet  sprung  up,  and 
the  patriotism  of  the  people  had  not  yet  been  tainted 
by  the  demagogues,  who  soon  began  to  seek  popu- 
larity by  promising  relief  from  the  sufferings  of  vvar^ No 
draft  or  conscription  had  yet  become  necessary,  cTnd,  as 
a  consequence,  the  men  of  these  two  Regiments,  and  the 
four  additional  ones,  which  were  ordered  in  April, 
1776,  were  the  best  men  of  the  land,  and  the  Reg-i- 
ments  themselves  were  justly  the  pride  of  the  State. 
The  path  to  glor}*  was  in  their  ranks,  and  the  ambi- 
tious young  gentlemen  of  the  State  rushed  in  to  swell 
their  numbers. 

They  were  composed  of  a  thousand  men  each.  A 
captain's  commision  in  one  of  these  Regiments  was  con- 
sidered an  exalted  honor,  and  those  holding  commisions 
vied  with  each  other  to  excel  in  discipline  and  courage. 
Emulation,  though  g-enerous  and  noble,  was  ardent  ana 
fierce.  Conspicious  courage  was  ever  alert  to  gain  pro- 
motion, and  successful  strategy  brought  applause  and 
reputation.  Among  the  foremost  of  these  young  cav- 
aliers, was  Capt.  "Hal"  Dixon. 

These  two  Regiments  were  soon  hurried  off  to  South 
Carolina,  to  repel  the  British  invasion  of  that  State. 
Of  these  spirited  soldiers,  General  Charles  Lee  said, 
"I  know  not  which  corps  I  have  the  greatest  reason  to 
be  pleased  with,  Mug'lenburg's  Virginians,  or  the 
North  Carolina  Troops.  They  are  both  equally  alert; 
zealous,  and  spirited." 


Sketch  of  Lieut.  Col.  "Haf  Dixon.  5 

These  Regiments,  after  seeing-  service  in  South  Caro- 
lina for  some  months,  were,  on  the  15th  of  March, 
1777,  ordered  to  march  North  and  reinforce  General 
Washington,  whose  army  had  been  reduced  to  7,000 
men  in  his  retreat  from  New  York  City.  They  joined 
Washing-ton  at  Middlebrook,  in  June,  1777,  where  they 
were  welcomed  with  great  joy;  restoring-  confidence  to 
his  dejected  little  army  and  giving  it  strength  enough 
to  look  the  enemy  in  the  face. 

While  under  Washing-ton  they  participated  in  the 
battles  of  Brandywine,  the  11th  of  September,  1777; 
Germantown,  the  4th  of  October,  1777;  and  Mon- 
mouth, June  20th,  1778.  Part  of  them,  under  Major 
Murfree,  were  with  Wayne  at  the  storming-  of  Stony 
Point,  July  loth,  1779.  They  shared  in  the  suffering's 
and  privations  of  Valley  Forg-e  in  the  winter  of  1777- 
'78.  Colonel  James  Moore,  who  commanded  Dixon's 
Regiment,  had  been  promoted  while  in  South  Carolina, 
to  Brigadier  General  and  then  died  at  Wilmington  on 
his  way  North.  General  Francis  Nash,  who  succeeded 
him,  was  killed  at  Germantown,  where  they  under- 
went a  baptism  of  fire  that  almost  decimated  their 
ranks.  Dixon  being  conspicuous  for  bravery  and  skill 
during  the  whole  of  that  sang'uinary  campaign. 

On  the  8th  of  July,  1777,  soon  after  joining  Wash- 
ington, Dixon  was  promoted  to  Major,  and  was  trans- 
ferred to  the  third  Regiment,  commanded  by  General 
Jethro  Sumner,  the  ablest  commander  whom  North 
Carolina  sent  to  the  field  during  the  whole  struggle 
for  independence.  Dixon  was  trained  under  Sumner's 
eye.  He  was  inspired  by  Sumner's  courage  and  mili- 
tary spirit,  and  in  such  twin  moulds  they  were  cast, 
that  they  became  as  Jonathan    and  David,    and  side  by 


6  University   Magazine. 

side,  they  fought  along  the  bloody   road,  till  glory  and 
triumph  perched  upon  their  banners. 

After  the  battles  of  Brandywine  and  Germantown, 
Dixon  was  again  promoted,  and  made  Lieut.  Colonel  of 
the  Third  Regiment,  the  12th  of  May,  1778.  These 
rapid  promotions  to  high  places  bespeak  the  character 
and  energy  and  worth  of  this  heroic  soldier.  The 
North  Carolina  Regiments  had  been  badly  reduced  by 
fevers  and  malaria  in  South  Carolina,  and  their  rapid 
exposure  to  the  leaden  hail  around  Philadelphia  had 
made  bloody  inroads  into  their  ranks,  and  what  fevers 
and  lead  had  left  were  again  decreased  by  the  frosts 
and  hunger  and  nakedness  of  that  awful  proverbial 
winter  at  Valley  Forge,  the  details  of  which  make  the 
heart  sick. 

These  Regiments,  seven  in  all,  which  had  joined 
Washington  from  time  to  time,  were  now  reduced  from 
six  thousand  men  to  less  than  one  thousand  soldiers, 
effective  for  duty,  and  it  became  necessary  to  "com- 
press" the  seven  Regiments  into  three,  and  even  with 
that  reduction,  these  three  remaining  Regiments  were 
scant  in  numbers.  By  this  compression,  which  took 
place  in  May,  1778,  the  supernumerar}^  officers  were 
necessarily  left  out,  but  were  allowed  to  retain  their 
commissions  and  rank,  and  return  to  the  State  to  re- 
cruit other  regiments.  How  the  lot  of  these  officers 
was  determined  it  does  not  appear,  but  the  gallant 
Colonel  Dixon  was  not  among  those  continued  in  ser- 
vice. It  is  suggested  that  those  who  were  most  popu- 
lar were  sent  home  in  order  to  get  the  advantage  of 
their  popularity  in  raising  volunteers  and  recruits. 

Jethro  Sumner  was  promoted  to  be  Brigadier  Gen- 
eral, the  9th  of  January,  1779,  and  was  assigned  to  the 
duty  of  raising  and  commanding  these  new  regiments, 


Sketch  of  Lieut.  Col.  "Hal"  Dixon.  7 

while  General  Hogun  was  left  in  command  of  the 
three  "compressed"  Regiments,  so  that  Dixon  was 
again  associated  with  his  beloved  Commander. 

This  article  does  not  permit  of  a  detail  of  military 
transactions,  and  I  cannot  therefore  relate  the  many 
obstacles  which  lay  in  Dixon's  path,  but  we  soon  find 
him  in  active  service  again. 

In  the  summer  of  1778,  Colonel  William  Lee  David- 
son, another  of  the  supernumerary  officers,  had  raised  a 
Regiment  of  Nine  Months  Men,  who  were  to  assemble 
at  Bladensburg,  Maryland.  Dixon  was  Major  of  one 
of  the  new  Regiments.  They  were,  however,  dis- 
banded. 

In  the  Autumn  of  that  year,  General  Sumner  com- 
manded a  brigade  of  two  other  Regiments  in  the  cam- 
paign in  South  Carolina,  the  one  under  Colonel  John 
Armstrong,  and  the  other  under  Colonel  Archibald 
Lyttle.  Dixon  was  with  Ivyttle  as  Major,  and  was 
wounded  at  Stono  Ferry,  June,  1779.  It  was  this 
wound  which  probably  caused  his  death.  Sumner  and 
his  men  suffered  from  malaria,  to  such  an  extent  that 
many  of  them  were  compelled  to  return  to  North  Caro- 
lina, General  Sumner  himself  returning  home  on  a 
sick    furlough. 

In  1780,  we  find  Colonel  Dixon  commanding  a  Regi- 
ment at  Gate's  defeat,  near  Camden,  the  15th  of  Au- 
gust. It  was  in  this  battle  that  he  rose  to  the  gran- 
deur of  his  fame,  and  shed  immortal  lustre  on  the  North 
Carolina  Trocps  under  his  command. 

When  the  raw  militia  from  Virginia  broke  in  a  panic 
without  resistance,  early  in  the  battle,  it  exposed  the 
left  flank  of  the  North  Carolina  Militia  to  a  raking 
fire,  and  they  were  routed  in  succession  by  the  bayo- 
net.    The    line    broke    until  it  reached    Dixon's    Regi- 


8  University   Magazine. 

ment.     This   Regiment    rested  its  right  on  the    Mary- 
land Regulars. 

When  their  comrades  fled,  Dixon,  standing-  before 
his  men  in  the  midst  of  the  fire  from  front  and  flank, 
ordered  a  part  of  his  command  to  face  to  the  left  and 
there  at  bay,  he  refused  to  yield  or  fly.  His  men  fell 
around  him  thick  and  fast  on  every  side;  but  his  tall  ma- 
jestic figure  was  still  seen  moving  among  his  comrades 
exhorting  them  to  courage  and  firmness.  His  "bugle 
blast  was  worth  a  thousand  men." 

All  the  Militia  on  Dixon's  left  having  been  routed,  his 
battalion  alone  was  left  to  protect  the  flank  of  the  regu- 
lars under  the  Baron  DeKalb.  The  enemy  now  disengag- 
ed, pressed  Dixon  sorely,  and  were  about  to  overwhelm 
him  with  numbers,  when  he  ordered  his  little  band 
to  charge  ba\Tonets,  and  leading  the  charge  himself,  he 
drove  the  enemy  before  him,  and  then  in  sullen  obsti- 
nacy, resumed  his  steady  fire  from  the  line.  Sur- 
rounded on  every  side,  De  Kalb  fell  with  eleven  wounds, 
but  the  North  Carolinians  under  Dixon,  were  still  fight- 
ing over  his  body,  and  witnessed  his  expiring  moments. 
At  last  every  cartridge  in  their  belts  was  exhausted, 
and  facing  about,  Dixon  ordered  a  second  charge  of  bay- 
onets and  again  cut  his  way  through  the  serried  hosts 
of  the  British,  bringing  with  him  the  few  who  sur- 
vived the  dreadful  carnage  of  this  battle. 
Col.  Ivee  thus  speaks  of  Dixon: 

"None,  without  violence  to  the  claims  of  honor  and 
"justice,  can  with  hold  applause  from  Col.  Dixon 
"and  his  North  Carolina  Regiment  of  Militia. 
"Having  their  flank  exposed  by  the  flight  of  the 
"other  Militia,  they  turned  with  disdain  from  the 
"ignoble  example  and  fixing  their  eyes  on  the 
"Marylanders,  whose  left  they  became,  determin- 
"ed  to  vie  in  deeds  of  courage  with  their    veteran 


Sketch  of  Lieut.  Col.  "Hal"  Dixon.  9 

"comrades.     Nor    did  they  shrink  from  this  dar- 
"ing-    resolve.     In    every  vicissitude  of  the    battle 
"this  Regiment    maintained  its  ground,    and  when 
"the  reserve,  under  Smallwood,   covering-  our  left, 
"relieved  its  naked  flank,  forced  the  enemy  to  fall 
"back.    Dixon  had  seen  service,  having- commanded 
"a  Continental  Regfiment  under  General  Washing-- 
"ton.     By  his  precepts  and  example  he  infused  his 
"own  spirit  into  the  breast  of  his  troops,  who,  em- 
ulating-   the    noble  arder  of  their  leader,  demon- 
"strated  the  wisdom  of  selecting-    experienced  offi- 
"cers  to  command  raw  soldiers. 
Col.  Dixon's   Regiment  was  a  part  of  Gen.   Grego- 
ry's Brigade,  and  Lamb,  the  British    historian,   says: 
"  The   Continental  troops  behaved  well,  but  some 
"of   the   militia   were  soon  broken.     In  Justice  to 
"the  North  Carolina  militia,  it  should  be  remarked 
"that    part  of  the    brig-ade  commanded    by  Gen. 
' 'Gregory  acquitted  themselves  well.   They  formed 
"immediately  to  the  left  of  the  Continentals,  and 
"kept  the  field  xvhile  they  had  a  cartridge  to  fire; 
"Gregory  himself  was  twice  wounded  by  a  bayo- 
"net  in  bringing-  off  his  men.     Several  of  his  Regfi- 
"ment   and   many  of  his  Brigade,  who  were  made 
"prisoners,  had  no  wounds  except  from  bayonets.'''1 
This  is  the  only  instance  I  have   found  in  American 
history    where    militia  charg-ed   the   British*  Regulars 
with  the  bayonet  and  drove  them  back,  and  these  Mil- 
itia, I  am  proud  to  say,  were  North  Carolinians.    Gen. 
Sumner  did  the  same   thing-   with  six-months  recruits 
at  Eutaw   Spring-s  in  Sept.,  1781,  and  the  Command- 
ers of  the  respective  armies  looked  on   with   wonder, 
the  one  with  consternation,  the  other  with  exultant  joy 
and  pride. 

Lee,    referring-   to   this  splendid  achievement,   again 
remarks: 

' '  Here  was  a  splendid   instance  of  self-possession 


10  University    Magazine. 

"by  a  single  Regiment  out  of  two  Brigades.     Dix- 

"on  had  commanded  a  Continental  Regiment,   and 

"of  course  to  his  example  and  knowledge  much  is 

"to  be  ascribed,  but  praise  is  nevertheless  due  to 

"the  troops.      *     ~::~     *    Convinced,  as  I  am,  that  a 

"government  is  the  murderer  of  its  citizens  which 

"sends  them  to  the  field  uninformed  and  untaught, 

"where  they   will  meet  men  of   the  same  age  and 

"strength  mechanized  by  education  and  disciplined 

"for  battle,   I  cannot  withhold  my  denunciation  oK 

"its  wickedness  and  folly,  much  as  I  applaud,  and. 

"must  ever  applaud,  those  instances   like   the  one 

"before  us,  of  armed  citizens  vieing  with  our   best 

"soldiers  in  the  first  duty  of  man  to  his  country." ' 

If  "  Hal  "  Dixon  had  done  no  more  than  this,  it  would 

have  put  his  name  on  the  roll  of  immortal  honor,  and  it 

should  be  a  household  word  in  the  home  of  every  North 

Carolinian. 

"And  by  their  light 

Shall  every  gallant  youth  with  ardor  move 

To  do  brave  deeds." 

There  was  no  historian  to  observe  and  perpetuate 
the  heroism  of  the  North  Carolina  Troops  with  Dixon 
under  Washington,  but  from  this  one  splendid  achieve- 
ment at  Camden,  we  may  learn  the  character  of  all. 
Ex  uno  disce  omnes.  We  do  know  that  these  troops, 
from  six  thousand  men  in  1776,  were  reduced  to  less 
than  a  thousand  within  two  years,  and  that  their  bod- 
ies lie  from  Stono  Ferry,  in  South  Carolina,  to  Stony 
Point  in  New  York. 

Fevers  and  frost,  bullet  and  ball,  famine  and  fatigue, 
did  their  deadly  work  until  the  body  of  these  splendid 
Regiments,  that  went  forth  in  their  pride  and  strength, 
became  but  skeletons  in  the  line;  until  seven  Regi- 
ments scarcely  made  three  of  even  respectable  num- 
bers, 


Sketch  of  Lieut.  Col.  "Hal"  Dixon.  11 

The  tradition  of  the  Dixon  family  is,  that  Col.  Dixon 
was  also  wounded  while  in  the  North;  but  no  particu- 
lars can  be  ascertained. 

We  next  hear  of  our  g-allant  hero  in  the  days  of  1781, 
as  Inspector  General  in  Greene's  army,  after  Greene 
succeeded  Gates,  in  1780.  In  this  capacity  Col.  Dixon 
was  in  Gen.  Pickens's  command  of  North  Carolinians 
who  annoyed  Cornwallis  so  unbearably  while  at  Hills- 
boro,  and  finally  gfoaded  him  to  desperation  and  drove 
him  to  the  field  ag-ain.  He  was  with  Lee  at  Pyle's  de- 
feat, Feb.  23,  1781,  near  where  the  thriving-  little  city 
of  Burling'ton,  North  Carolina,  is  now  situated.  Col. 
Dixon  was  also  at  the  hotlv  contested  affair  at  Whit- 
sill's  Mill,  March  7th,  and  at  Guilford  Courthouse, 
March  15th,  1781;  but  having-  no  command  of  his  own, 
and  acting-  as  Inspector  General,  he  had  no  opportu- 
nity of  displaying  his  splendid  courag-e  and  ability  as  a 
soldier.  He  was  never  idle;  he  never  faltered;  he  was 
not  envious;  he  was  willing-  to  serve  wherever  dutv  and 
occasion  offered;  he  responded  to  every  call  of  his  coun- 
try. He  was  entitled  to  a  furloug-h  and  rest,  but  never 
took  it;  he  was  near  his  family  and  knew  the  sweetness 
of  domestic  life  and  peace;  but  was  ready  and  willing- 
to  foregfo  all  these  blessing-s  for  his  country's  g-ood. 

The  Military  board  of  the  State  g-ave  Col.  Arm- 
strong- the  command  of  the  second  North  Carolina  bat- 
talion, which  won  such  immortal  gdory  at  Kutaw 
Spring-s,  deciding-  that  Armstrong-  outranked  Dixon; 
but  Dixon  never  murmured  or  "sulked  in  his  tent." 
He  soug-ht  active  service  elsewhere.  When,  after  the 
battle  of  Eutaw  Spring-s,  it  was  discovered  that  the  de- 
cision of  the  Military  Board  was  erronious,  he  was  re- 
stored and  took  command  of  the  second   battalion  and 


12  University   Magazine. 

served  with  it  until,  wasted  by  wounds,  he  came  home 
in  the  summer  of  1782  to  die. 

Noble  and  unselfish,  not  seekingfhis  own,  but  his 
country's,  glory,  he  was  ever  ready  to  face  the  enemy 
and  repel  the  invaders.  In  these  noble  characteristics 
he  was  such  a  conspicuous  and  sing-ular  example  in 
military  life,  that  he  deserves  to  have  it  recorded  to 
his  honor  and  to  receive  the  applause  and  gratitude  of 
mankind. 

The  Dixon  family  were  remarkable  for  the  beauty 
and  majesty  of  their  persons.  The  widow  of  Senator 
Archibald  Dixon,  the  grandson  of  "Hal"  Dixon,  sa\Ts 
that  the  Senator  "excelled  all  of  his  splendid  race  in 
the  beauty  and  majesty  of  his  person;  in  the  grandeur 
of  his  presence.  Henry  Clay  was  his  only  equal,  so  far 
as  I  have  seen,  and  I  saw  all  the  prominent  men  of 
his  time."* 

Dr.  A.  C.  Posey,  referring-  to  Captain  Henry  Dixon, 
known  also  as  "Hal,"  a  son  of  Col.  Dixon,  says:  "  He 
was  a  man  of  powerful  frame  and  muscle,  six  feet  two 
inches  in  heigdit,  and  weighing1  two  hundred  and  twenty 
pounds.  His  children,  both  boys  and  gfirls,  were  his 
counterparts,  as  near  as  nature  could  make  them." 

Mrs.  Dixon  says  of  Wynne  Dixon,  the  son  of  "  Hal," 
"  He  was  epauletted  in  the  field  of  Eutaw  Springs  for 

*  Since  writing-  the  above  paragraph,  I  have  learned  through  Henry 
C.  Dixon,  of  Kentucky,  great-grandson  of  "Hal"  Dixon,  that  Col. 
Dixon  was  certainly  in  the  battle  of  Eutaw  Springs,  Sept.  1,  1781. 
and  was  severely  wounded.  The  tradition  of  the  family  is,  that 
this  was  the  wound  which  proved  fatal.  It  is  oiten  asked  why  only 
Lieut.  Colonels  commanded  our  troops  after  1779  or  1780.  It  was 
done  to  conform  to  the  British  organization.  Their  battalions  were 
commanded  by  Lieut.  Colonels,  so  that  we  captured  no  Colonels, 
and  thereupon  had  none  to  exchange  for  our  captive  Colonels. 
"Hal"  Dixon's  brother,  Lieut.  Wynne  Dixon,  was  also  wounded  at 
Eutaw  Springs  and  promoted  on  the  field  for  gallant  Conduct. 


Sketch  of  Lieut.  Col.  "Hal"  Dixon.  13 

gallant  conduct.  I  have  heard  Senator  Dixon  say, 
'that  at  a  review  in  North  Carolina,  he  was  called  the 
handsomest  man  in  the  State. '  He  was  six  feet  in 
height,  dark  hair  and  an  eye  like  an  eagle." 

He  married  Rebecca  Heart,  daughter  of  David  Heart. 

"Hal"  Dixon  No.  2,  Wynne's  brother,  was  at  one 
time  a  member  of  the  Kentucky  legislature:  says  Mrs. 
Dixon,  "  He  was  a  bluff,  genial  man,  but  being  plainly 
dressed  and  simple  in  his  manners,  some  of  the  mem- 
bers undertook  to  badger  him.  He  instantly  rose  to 
his  feet  and  his  splendid  statue  towering  above  them 
all,  "Mr.  Speaker,"  said  he,  "I  am  no  speaker  but  I 
can  whip  any  man  in  this  house."  There  was  a  dead 
silence  for  a  moment,  followed  by  a  roar  of  applause 
and  he  was  never  badgered  again." 

Senator  Archibald  Dixon  was  undoubtedly  the  au- 
thor of  the  act  repealing  the  Missouri  Compromise  of 
1852.  Documents  in  my  possession,  furnished  by  his 
widow,  show  this.  He  was  at  one  time  the  most  pop- 
ular man  in  Kentucky.  His  descendants  still  live  at 
Henderson,  Ky.,  his  old  homestead. 

Col.  "Hal"  Dixon  died  July  17,  1782.  His  will  was 
admitted  to  probate,  at  September  Term,  1783.  The 
family  tradition  is  that  he  died  from  the  wound  which 
he  received  at  Eutaw  Springs.  A  diligent  search  of 
five  years  among  all  the  sources  of  information  acces- 
sible to  me,  has  failed  to  disclose  where  'the  body  of 
this  noble  patriot  was  buried.  Only  the  trump  of  God 
will  discover  its  resting  place.  I  think,  however,  that 
he  lived  on  the  upper  waters  of  Moon's  Creek,  in  the 
western  part  of  Caswell  County.  In  an  addition  to  a 
deed  of  land  made  by  his  executors,  embracing  lands 
on  this  creek,  I  have  found  the  diary  of  the  march  of 
Gen.  Wayne's  brigade   south,  in    December,  1781.     It 


14  University   Magazine. 

passed  Leesburg-,  Dec.  3rd,  and  crossed  Hico  Creek,  ten 
miles  west;  on  the  4th  it  marched  thirteen  miles,  cross- 
ing; "County  Line"  Creek  in  a  snowstorm,  at  12  o'- 
clock, M.,  and  lay  by  on  the  5th,  and  on  that  da}', 
Capt.  Davis  of  the  Brigade  went  six  miles  and  dined 
with  Col.  "Hal"  Dixon.  If  they  went  north,  it  would 
have  taken  them  to  Moon's  Creek. 

The  homestead,  tradition  says,  was  called  the  Red 
House  Place,  and  on  the  fork  of  Moon's  Creek,  there  is 
a  road  known  as  the  Red  House  road  and  a  farm  also 
of  the  same  name. 

Henrv  C.  Dixon,  son  of  Senator  Archibald  Dixon, 
says  that  Col.  "Hal"  Dixon  had  three  sisters,  Betsy, 
who  married  one  Williams  and  died  without  issue; 
Jane,  who  married  a  Bracken  and  remained  in  North 
Carolina;  and  Susan,  who  married  John  Williams  and 
removed  to  Tennessee.  Georg-e  Dixon,  a  prominent 
lawyer  of  Memphis,  Tennessee,  is  a  descendent  of 
Wynne  Dixon. 

I  was  not  aware  until  recently  that  Col.  "Hal" 
Dixon  was  at  the  Battle  of  Guilford  Court  House.  I 
am  indebted  to  my  g*ood  friend,  Justice  WTalter  Clark, 
of  the  Supreme  Court,  for  a  copy  of  the  application 
made  to  the  United  States  Government  by  the  heirs  of 
Col.  Dixon  in  Tennessee  for  a  pension.  The  following- 
is  an  extract  from  this  petition: 

"Herndon  Haralson,  then  of  Ha}Twood  County, 
"Tenn.,  makes  oath  '  that  in  the  year  1781,  when 
"Gen.  Greene  retreated  from  North  Carolina  in- 
"to  Virginia,  before  Lord  Cornwallis,  he,  this  aff- 
"iant,  raised  a  Company  of  Volunteers,  equipped 
"themselves  and  joined  the  army  under  the  com- 
"mand  of  the  said  Col.  Dixon  and  Gen.  Pickens, 
"and  marched  against  a  party  of  Tories  near  Hills- 
"boro,  then  commanded  by  Col.  Pyles,  which  they 


Sketch  of  Lieut.  Col.  "Hal"  Dixon.  15 

"attacked,  defeated  and  cut  to  pieces  on  the  21st 
'"of  Peby.,  1781,— from  thence  in  a  few  days  they 
"fought  the  battles  of  Whitsell's  Mill  and  Guil- 
"ford  Court  House.' 

"Haralson  also  states  'that  Dixon  marched  to 
"the  North,  where  in  some  action  in  which  he 
"fought,  he  received  a  wound  with  a  musket  or 
"cannon  ball,  but  in  what  part  of  his  body  he  doth 
"not  now  recollect.' 

Extract  from  the  petition  of  the  heirs  of  Jut. 
Col.  Hal  Dixon  of  the  Continentals  (Caswell  Co.) 
"The  affidavit  of  Armistead  and  Francis  Flippen 
"asserts  that  Dixon  'died  of  a  wound  received  in 
"said  war,'  in  1782,  and  Nancy  Stafford,  then  of 
"Smith  County,  Tenn.,  makes  oath  that  Dixon  re- 
"turned  home  (to  Caswell  County),  sick  of  a  wound 
"received  in  some  battle  in  South  Carolina,  which 
"wound  was  the  cause  of  his  death.'  He  died 
"17  July,  1782.  He  was  wounded  three  times — 
"the  last  time  mortally — overatStono,  S.  C,  20th 
"June,  1779.'  " 

I  have  now  discharged  a  pleasant  duty,  one  which  I 
have  been  contemplating  for  several  years.  I  have 
done  tardy  justice  to  a  splendid  soldier  and  eminent 
patriot.  I  have  set  before  the  youth  of  this  State  a 
character  worthy  of  all  imitation  and  rescued  from 
oblivion  historical  facts,  which  afford  themes  for  the 
orator  and  poet,  facts  to  excite  the  pride  of  every 
North  Carolinian. 

There  remains  for  this  or  some  other  generation  one 
duty  to  perform;  to  raise  a  monument  to  the  memory 
of  this  chivalric  gentleman,  which  shall  bear  the  in- 
scription of  his  heroic  deeds.  North  Carolina  is  awak- 
ening, she  is  rubbing  off  the  slumber  from  her  eyelids, 
and  on  every  side  young  and  vigorous  hands  are  bend- 
ing their  love  and  energies  to  bring  to   light   the  glo- 


16  University   Magazine. 

rious  deeds  of  our  ancestors.  The  gems  of  our  brilliant 
history  are  being-  collected  and  arranged,  and  he  will 
be  most  honored  in  the  next  generation,  •  who  does  hon- 
or to  the  noble  band  of  worthies  who  have  preceded  us. 
I  have  no  fears  now  for  our  history.  Every  new  dis- 
covery inflames  the  ardor  of  our  writers,  and  encour- 
ages them  to  work  more  diligently  to  find  a  richer 
gem.  No  greater  soldier,  no  more  brilliant  or  dashing 
officer,  no  bolder  leader  of  men,  no  purer  or  more  dis- 
interested character  will  ever  be  unfolded  than  the 
subject  of  this  sketch. 

D.   Schenck. 

P.  S.  This  paper  was  unavoidably  but  fortunately 
delayed  in  its  publication,  and  I  have  been  thereby  en- 
abled to  add  several  important  incidents  in  Col.  Dixon's 
life  and  to  correct  a  few  mistakes  in  the  text.  I  am 
also  rejoiced,  happy,  to  state  that  the  money  has  been 
raised  and  the  Mount  Airy  Granite  Company  is  now- 
making  a  monument,  a  cenotaph,  to  be  erected  on  the 
Guilford  Battle  Ground,  in  memory  of  our  glorious  he- 
ro, and  on  it  will  be  fastened  a  bronze  plate  reciting 
the  names  and  dates  of  the  battles  in  which  "Hal" 
Dixon  was  engaged,  besides  other  incidents  of  his  his- 
tory.    It  ends  thus: 

"The  Embodiment  of  Chivalry, 

The  Idol  of  his- Soldiers, 

The  Trusted  of  the  People." 

The  monument  will  be^of  "granite,  solid  and   heavy, 

and  will 'be  erected  in- a  conspicuous  place  on  the    field 

of    battle,  and   near^the  C.    F.  &  Y.  V.  Railroad.     It 

will  be  dedicated  July  the  4th,  18%,  D.  V. 

D.  Schenck. 
Sept,  17,  1895. 


Hn  flDemoriam 


Ubeofcore  Benedict  X^man, 


2>.2>.,  X%.2>.,  D.C.X. 


Bisbop  of  Bortb  Carolina 


/TN/y*^^,  rb^uf^j^ 


Sermon 


Commemorative  of  tbe  Xate 


ZTbeobore  Benedict  Xgman, 

2>.S>.,  %%.?>.,  D.C.X.  f\  $(6"""-     \  ^^) 

Bishop  of  Worth  Carolina 
IPreacbefc  in  St.  Paul's  Cbnrcb,  Winston 


BEFORE   THE 


Convention  of  tbe  Diocese  of  IRortb  Carolina 


dfcag  20,    1S04. 


JEllison  Capers,  ®.s>., 

Resistant  JStsbop  of  Soutb  Carolina. 


RALEIGH  : 
E.  M.  Uzzell.  Power  Printer  and  Binder. 


PUBLISHED  BY   REQUEST  OF  THE  CONVENTION. 


Sermon. 


His  lord  said  unto  him,  Well  done,  thou  good  and  faithful  servant: 
thou  hast  heen  faithful  over  a  few  things,  I  will  make  thee  ruler  over 
many  things:  enter  thou  into  the  joy  of  thy  lord. — St.  Matt.,  xxv,  21. 

A  little  more  than  three  years  since,  your  late  Bishop, 
addressing  his  brethren  and  friends  from  the  pulpit  of  the 
Church  of  the  Good  Shepherd,  in  Raleigh,  upon  the  com- 
memoration of  the  fiftieth  anniversary  of  his  ordination  to 
the  Priesthood,  concluded  a  summary  of  his  work  in  his 
Diocese  with  words  which  must  still  be  fresh  in  your  mem- 
ories. 

Standing  before  you,  a  venerable  Bishop,  near  the  end 
of  his  Episcopate,  after  fifty-one  years  of  service  in  the  Holy 
Ministry,  a  large  experience  in  life,  an  extended  knowledge 
of  men,  a  wide  observation  of  affairs  on  three  continents, 
and  abundant  opportunities  of  enjoying  the  blessings  of 
ample  wealth,  while  faithfully  serving  his  Lord  and  Master, 
my  lamented  brother  concluded  his  grateful  greeting  to  his 
people  by  exclaiming:  "Alas!  what  is  life  when  measured 
by  its  earthly  limitations?  Alas!  for  him  whose  only  esti- 
mate of  it  is  circumscribed  by  what  this  world  can  give  us. 
The  true,  the  real  life,  is  that  for  which  we  must  here  be 
preparing.  Each  year  is  bringing  us  nearer  the  hour  when 
we  shall  be  summoned  to  give  an  account  of  our  steward- 
ship. When  the  shadows  of  life's  evening  are  darkening 
around  us  may  it  be  our  sweet  privilege  to  close  our  eyes 
in  calm  and  heavenly  peace,  while  looking  with  trustful 
confidence  to  the  coming  glories  of  the  Resurrection  morn. 
Oh !  happy  he  who  shall  then  be  permitted  to  hear,  from 
the  lips  of  his  loving  Lord,  that  cheering  and  most  welcome 
plaudit,  "Well  done,  thou  good  and  faithful  servant:  enter 
thou  into' the  joy  of  thy  Lord." 


IN    MEMORIAM. 


The  good  Bishop  has  reached  the  hour  of  whose  sure 
coming  he  spoke;  he  has  heard  his  Lord's  welcome  as  he 
entered  into  the  rest  of  Paradise.  For  him  now  no  dark- 
ening shadows  fall  upon  life's  evening,  and  no  care  and 
toil  await  his  morning.  He  has  finished  his  work,  and  his 
Lord  and  Master  has  summoned  him  into  His  presence, 
and  permitted  him  to  hear  the  cheering  and  most  welcome 
plaudit:  "Well  done,  thou  good  and  faithful  servant." 

I  come  to  you  to-day,  my  brethren,  to  bear  my  testimony 
to  the  character  and  work  of  your  late  Bishop,  and  in  your 
name  to  bear  witness  to  the  zeal  and  fidelity,  the  energy 
and  faithfulness  with  which  he  made  full  proof  of  his  min- 
istry as  the  Chief  Shepherd  of  his  flock.  With  me  it  is  a 
labor  of  love.  His  name  and  office  are  most  sacredly  asso- 
ciated with  my  own  elevation  to  the  Episcopate.  Taking 
the  place  of  our  beloved  and  stricken  Bishop,  he  was  my 
Consecrator  last  July,  and  the  solemn  tones  of  his  voice,  as 
he  propounded  to  me  those  heart-searching  interrogations 
of  the  Ordinal,  are  ringing  in  my  ears  to-day,  as  if  I  had 
answered  them  but  yesterday.  His  venerable  form  and 
Apostolic  bearing,  as  he  stood,  holding  the  staff  you  gave 
him,  and  with  uplifted  hand  breathed  the  benediction  of 
peace  upon  us,  is  before  me  now,  brethren,  and  will  ever  be 
a  living  reality  to  my  memory.  God  grant  that  the  vows 
that  I  made  in  that  most  solemn  and  awful  hour  of  my 
life  may  have  for  their  fulfilment  the  answer  to  the  prayer 
he  so  fervently  made  in  my  behalf:  "Almighty  God,  our 
heavenly  Father,  who  hath  given  you  a  good  will  to  do  all 
these  things;  Grant  also  unto  you  strength  and  power  to 
perform  the  same." 

I  was  with  the  Bishop  at  the  consecration  of  his  assist- 
ant, my  beloved  brother  Cheshire,  last  October,  and  assisted 
in  the  office.     He  seemed  to  be  enjoying  his  usual  health, 


THEODORE    BENEDICT    L Y.MAX. 


and  was  rejoicing  in  the  strength  of  a  robust  old  age.  He 
talked  to  me  cheerfully  and  hopefully  of  his  plans  for  the 
future,  and  when  we  parted  it  was  with  a  promise  that  we 
should  soon  meet  again  to  congratulate  each  other  on  the 
progress  of  the  Church  in  the  Carolinas,  knit  together  in 
the  holy  bonds  of  a  common  faith  and  the  sacred  ties  of  a 
loyal  brotherhood ;  but  his  work  was  then  nearly  done,  and 
the  summons  soon  came  which  called  him  from  the  Church 
Militant  to  take  his  place  in  the  Church  at  rest. 

In  the  end  he  had  the  answer  to  his  often  expressed 
desire  that  he  might  be  spared  an  old  age  of  feebleness  and 
inactivity,  and  that  his  Lord  might  summon  him  into  His 
presence  from  the  battlefield  of  labor.  Up  to  within  a  few 
days  of  his  sudden  departure  he  was  busy  in  mind  with 
thoughts  of  the  Diocese,  preaching  his  last  sermons  in  Char- 
lotte only  ten  days  before  his  death.  His  last  thoughts 
were  given  to  a  review  of  his  Episcopate,  and  he  had  begun 
the  preparation  of  an  address  to  be  pronounced  in  Raleigh 
on  the  twentieth  anniversary  of  his  consecration.  The  ser- 
mon was  unfinished  ;  the  Bishop's  work  was  done ;  the  anni- 
versary was  spent  in  his  chamber  of  mortal  sickness,  and 
two  days  later  he  closed  his  eyes  and  rested  forever  from 
the  labors  of  his  holy  calling — labors  which  only  ended  at 
the  Master's  word  that  called  him  up  into  His  presence  to 
receive  His  Eternal  Blessing. 

Like  others  of  our  American  Bishops,  and  hundreds  of 
our  Clergy,  Bishop  Lyman  came  to  the  Church  from  our 
brethren  of  the  Christian  denominations.  He  was  born 
and  reared  in  the  school  of  Calvin,  coming  from  good 
Puritan  stock  and  the  State  of  the  Pilgrim  fathers.  Like 
the  friend  of  his  college  da}<s,  the  venerable  and  accom- 
plished Bishop  of  Western  New  York,  Bishop  Lyman  was 
a  son  of  a  Presbyterian  Clergyman.     Graduating  at  Hamil- 


IN    MEMORIAM. 


ton  College,  New  York,  these  two  young  men  were  provi- 
dentially led  diligently  to  read  Holy  Scripture  and  ancient 
authors,  and  to  them  it  became  evident  that  the  joint  testi- 
mony of  Scripture  and  history  was  conclusive  as  to  the 
claims  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church,  and  so  they 
were  called  of  God  the  Holy  Ghost  into  the  ministry  of 
the  Church  which  from  the  Apostles'  time  had  preserved 
these  orders  of  ministers  in  Christ's  Church — Bishops, 
Priests,  and  Deacons.  Completing  his  course  in  Divinity 
in  the  General  Theological  Seminary,  New  York,  our  Bishop 
was  ordained  Deacon  by  his  devoted  friend  and  guide, 
Bishop  Whittingham,  in  Christ  Church,  Baltimore,  in  Sep- 
tember, 1840,  and  advanced  to  the  Priesthood  by  the  same 
Bishop  in  December,  1841,  in  St.  John's  Church,  H&gers- 
town,  Md.,  and  was  duly  instituted  Rector.  This  was 
Bishop  Lyman's  first  charge.  By  the  consent  of  his  Bishop 
he  was  settled  over  the  parish  immediately  upon  his  ordina- 
tion to  the  Diaconate,  and  remained  in  charge  for  ten  years. 
Here  he  illustrated  the  enthusiasm  and  hopefulness  of  his 
nature  by  laying  the  foundations  of  a  Church  College,  gen- 
erously contributing  to  its  establishment  and  promoting  its 
growth  and  welfare.  Years  afterwards,  when  his  helpful 
hand  had  been  withdrawn,  and  he  was  far  away  in  Europe, 
he  tells  us  that  he  met  one  of  life's  greatest  disappoint- 
ments when  tidings  came  to  him  that  the  doors  of  St. 
James'  College  had  been  closed,  and  the  work  of  his  youth 
and  his  faith,  "so  full  of  hope  and  brilliant  promise,"  had 
come  to  an  end  amid  the  clash  of  arms  and  the  engrossing 
excitements  and  demands  of  the  greatest  of  modern  wars. 
In  the  spring  of  1850,  Bishop  Lyman  accepted  the 
charge  of  Trinity  Church,  Pittsburg,  Pa.,  as  successor  to 
Dr.  Upfold,  consecrated  Bishop  of  Indiana.  For  ten  years 
Trinitv,  Pittsburg,  was  the  theatre  of  the  Bishop's  untiring 


THEODOKE    BENEDICT    LYMAN. 


labors,  the  spiritual  home  where  he  shepherded  his  devoted 
flock,  and  led  them  forth  into  green  pastures  of  truth  and 
righteousness.  The  holy  house  was  soon  full  to  overflow- 
ing, and  the  good  shepherd,  whose  duty  it  is  ever  to  care 
for  his  sheep,  called  upon  his  brethren  to  aid  him  in  build- 
ing another  fold.  And  right  nobly  did  they  respond  to 
the  call.  He  had  asked  for  a  chapel  to  be  attached  to  the 
parish  church,  and  to  be  part  of  the  one  fold  for  the  com- 
mon flock,  and  such  was  the  spirit  of  generosity  and  activity 
with  which  the  Rector  had  inspired  his  people  that  they 
built  a  splendid  stone  chapel,  costing  $40,000,  and  dedi- 
cated it  to  the  worship  of  the  loving  Father  of  us  all. 

It  soon  became  so  flourishing  a  congregation  that  the 
Rector  of  Trinity  encouraged  its  being  a  separate  parish, 
and  rejoiced  to  see  the  work  of  his  faith,  his  zeal  and  his 
prayers  set  apart  as  St.  Peter's  Parish,  with  its  owTn  Rector, 
and  Wardens  and  Vestrymen.  Twenty  years  of  constant 
work,  full  of  cares  and  anxieties  and  unceasing  activities, 
had  made  their  impression  on  the  Church  in  Maryland  and 
the  Church  in  Pennsylvania,  but  they  had  also  taxed  the 
brain  and  the  nervous  strength  of  the  zealous  Presbyter. 

Dr.  Lyman  felt  that  he  must  have  a  period  of  repose, 
but  he  was  unwilling  that  the  work  of  the  Church  should 
cease  for  a  day,  or  that  it  should  lag  behind  for  lack  of  an 
able  hand  and  a  loyal  heart  to  direct  it.  Accordingly  he 
tendered  his  resignation.  But  the  ties  which  bind  a  true 
pastor  to  his  flock  are  not  easily  severed,  and  the  people  of 
Trinity,  looking  back  upon  the  work  of  ten  years,  and 
estimating  what  it  had  been,  and  looking  forward  to  the 
work  yet  to  be  done,  could  not  yield  their  consent  to  the 
resignation  of  the  faithful  man  who  had  inspired  it  with 
his  cheerful  hope  and  generous  heart.  The  Vestry  declined 
the  resignation,  gave  their  burdened   Rector  a  two  years' 


IN    MEMOKIAM. 


leave  of  absence,  and  requested  him  to  select  a  man  after 
his  own  heart  to  stand  in  his  place  during  his  absence. 
What  higher  tribute  could  a  people  pay  to  the  devotion, 
the  ability,  the  character  of  their  Rector? 

Well  might  my  departed  brother  reply  to  his  generous 
and  faithful  flock  in  the  language  of  the  Apostle,  writing 
to  the  Church  at  Philippi  :  "  If  I  am  offered  upon  the  sac- 
rifice and  service  of  your  faith,  I  joy  and  rejoice  with  you 
all,  and  in  the  same  manner  do  ye  also  joy  and  rejoice  with 
me."  Dr.  Lyman  sailed  for  Europe,  accompanied  by  his 
family,  in  May,  1860,  and  sought  a  haven  of  rest  in  Swit- 
zerland. And  here,  brethren,  I  am  reminded  of  Keble'a 
lines  for  one  of  the  Advent  Sundays.  No  doubt  they  came 
to  the  mind  of  your  departed  Bishop,  as  there  came  to  him 
across  the  sea  the  summons  of  the  Church,  calling  him 
forth  from  the  haven  of  rest,  where  lie  would  be,  and  urg- 
ing upon  him  the  pastoral  charge  of  American  Church 
people,  then  visiting  the  cities  of  the  Continent.  He  bore 
his  Lord's  commission,  and  to  him  the  Church's  poet  spoke 
the  mandate  of  the  Church's  love: 

"  Ye  who  your  Lord's  commission  bear, 
His  way  of  mercy  to  prepare: 
Angels,  He  calls  you;   be  your  strife 
To  lead  on  earth  an  Angel's  life. 
Think  not  of  rest;  though  dreams  be  sweet, 
Start  up,  and  ply  your  heavenward  feet! 
Is  not  God's  oath  upon  your  head, 
Ne'er  to  sink  back  on  slothful  bed, 
Never  again  your  loins  untie, 
Xor  let  your  torches  waste  and  die, 
'I  ill,  when  the  shadows  thickest  fall, 
Ye  hear  your  Master's  midnight  call?  " 

Our  Church  people  were  flocking  to  Europe  for  recrea- 
tion and  travel.  The  great  cities  of  the  Continent,  with 
their  historic  attractions,  their  vast  capacities  and  agencies 


THEODORE    BENEDICT    LYMAN. 


for  delighting  the  senses  and  ministering  to  the  life  of  self- 
indulgence  and  pleasure,  afforded  a  great  temptation  to  the 
flock  of  Christ  to  neglect  their  spiritual  culture.  They  were 
sheep  of  our  fold,  and  on  the  Continent  they  were  un-shep- 
herded  and  in  danger  of  being  devoured  by  the  wolf  of 
worldliness. 

They  could  not  worship  with  Rome,  and  the  Protestant 
Churches  prayed  and  preached  in  a  language  "not  under- 
standable by  the  people."  Our  spiritual  fathers,  charged 
with  the  safety  of  the  flock  of  Christ  committed  to  their 
care,  followed  their  people  with  anxious  prayers,  and  would 
build  for  them  a  safe  fold  in  the  lands  of  their  pilgrimage. 
They  turned  to  the  weary  shepherd,  resting  in  the  lovely 
vales  of  Switzerland,  and  called  upon  him  to  go  to  Flor- 
ence and  build  there  a  house  of  prayer,  to  be  the  spiritual 
home  of  our  people. 

He  says  he  sought  to  escape  this  summons,  but  how  could 
he?  Was  he  not  His  servant  who,  when  He  went  all  the 
way  to  the  coast  of  Tyre  and  Sidon,  far  from  the  scenes  of 
His  consuming  toil,  and  entered  into  the  house  of  a  friend 
that  He  might  find  a  short  repose,  "could  not  be  hid," 
could  not  escape  the  toil  of  love,  could  not  rest  from  the  work 
of  charity;  because  there  was  a  widow  woman  there,  whose 
dear  child  was  grievously  tormented,  and  whose  heart  was 
sick  and  torn  with  anxious  grief,  and  loudly  called  upon 
Him  to  come  to  her  aid,  to  heal  her  child,  to  give  her  the 
peace  which  only  He  could  give  ?  Was  not  he  in  the  line 
of  the  men  who  crossed  the  beautiful  lake  of  Tiberias  with 
their  Master  and  sought  the  mountain  shade  on  the  east  side 
that  they  might  all  "go  apart  and  rest  awhile";  and  who, 
instead  of  sweet  and  holy  communion  in  the  sacred  privacy 
of  that  needed  retirement  on  the  coveted  mountain,  found 
a  multitude  of  men,  women   and  children,  who   must  be 


10  IN    MEMOBIAM. 


fed,  and  fed  by  them,  because  they  were  the  servants  and 
followers  of  Him  who  came  down  from  Heaven  to  be  as 
well  the  friend  and  helpful  brother  of  men  as  their  only 
Redeemer  and  Saviour — who  came  to  give  up  His  rest  and 
His  home  and  His  life  to  minister  to  the  souls  and  bodies 
of  His  Father's  offspring  ? 

There  was  no  immediate  rest  for  the  weary  Rector  of 
Trinity  Church,  Pittsburg,  though  he  had  crossed  the  great 
ocean  to  find  it.  Our  American  Church  people  in  Florence, 
in  Rome,  in  Paris,  in  Nice,  in  Geneva,  in  Dresden  must  be 
provided  with  the  means  of  grace,  they  must  be  reminded 
of  their  baptism  into  Jesus  Christ,  their  holy  vows  at  con- 
firmation, and  they  must  hear  the  gospel  of  their  Lord,  and 
partake  in  the  benefits  of  His  blessed  cross  in  the  Holy 
Communion  of  His  Body  and  Blood. 

To  this  work  Dr.  Lyman  was  constrained  by  the  love  of 
Christ,  and  with  his  characteristic  energy  he  addressed 
himself  to  the  high  and  holy  calling.  *  *  *  The  war 
having  broken  out  between  the  Southern  Confederacy  and 
the  United  States  Government,  the  Rector  of  Trinity,  Pitts- 
burg, forwarded  his  resignation  from  Floreuce,  and  it  was 
duly  accepted. 

Dr.  Lyman  remained  abroad  for  ten  years,  returning  to 
the  LTnited  States  in  December,  1870,  to  accept  an  urgent 
invitation  to  the  Rectorship  of  Trinity  Church,  San  Fran- 
cisco, the  oldest  and  strongest  parish  on  the  Pacific  Coast. 

Thus  far  his  ministry  had  embraced  three  decades,  each 
allotted  to  work  in  a  separate  sphere:  the  first  given  to 
Maryland,  at  St.  John's,  Hagerstown ;  the  second  to  Penn- 
sylvania, at  Trinity  Church,  Pittsburg;  and  the  third  on 
the  Continent  of  Europe,  planting  the  Church  in  great 
cities,  and  enriching  his  active  mind  by  extended  observa- 
tion in  travel,  as  far  east  as  the  Nile,  and  to  the  Sacred 


THEODORE  BENEDICT  LYMAN.  11 


Mount  whence  issued  the  holy  Commandments  of  God  b}T 
the  mouth  of  His  holy  Prophet,  Moses. 

The  most  important  work  of  Dr.  Lyman,  during  the 
decade  he  spent  abroad,  was  the  firm  planting  of  a  parish 
in  Rome  for  American  Churchmen.  He  accomplished  this 
work  by  his  zeal  and  undaunted  energy,  rallying  our  Church 
people  in  Rome  to  his  support,  and  asserting  his  devotion 
to  the  principles  of  his  Church  in  uncompromising  oppo- 
sition to  the  restrictions  laid  upon  him  by  Cardinal  Anto- 
uelli.  When  he  was  forbidden  to  hold  services  within  the 
walls  of  the  city,  he  left  the  neat  and  commodious  chapel 
which  he  had  fitted  up  in  a  central  quarter  of  Rome,  and 
which  a  large  congregation  had  been  regularly  worshipping, 
and  assumed  the  personal  obligation  of  the  lease  of  a  build- 
ing outside  the  city  walls,  and  had  it  neatly  fitted  up  for 
Divine  worship. 

Here  Dr.  Lyman  formed  the  Parish  of  St.  Paul's,  Rome, 
which  subsequently,  under  its  Rector,  Dr.  Nevin,  moved 
into  the  city  when  the  Italian  army  opened  the  gates,  and 
erected  a  splendid  church  edifice,  which  stands  to-day  "a 
witness  for  the  true  Catholic  faith,  as  that  faith  is  held  and 
taught  by  the  Reformed  Anglican  Communion." 

When  Dr.  Lyman  had  been  elevated  to  the  Episcopacy, 
the  presiding  Bishop,  recognizing  his  work  in  Rome  and 
elsewhere  in  Europe,  requested  him  to  take  the  pastoral 
charge  of  the  foreign  churches.  He  accepted  the  charge, 
and  for  four  years  was  the  Angel  of  the  Churches  on  the 
Continent.  During  his  Episcopal  visitations  he  had  the 
great  satisfaction  of  consecrating  the  beautiful  Church  of 
the  Holy  Trinity,  in  Paris;  St,  John's,  in  Dresden,  and  to 
lay  the  corner-stone,  and  subsequently  to  consecrate  the 
new  church  in  Nice. 


12  EN    MEMORIAM. 


The  Diocese  of  California  sent  Dr.  Lyman  to  the  General 
Convention  of  1871,  in  whose  deliberations  he  took  a  use- 
ful part. 

The  important  question  of  Ritual  Uniformity  came  up  for 
discussion  in  both  houses  of  the  Convention,  and  excited 
intense  interest. 

The  House  of  Bishops,  in  1868,  had  appointed  a  com- 
mittee of  five  Bishops  to  consider  the  subject  of  Ritual,  in 
the  conduct  of  public  worship  and  in  the  administration  of 
the  holy  sacraments,  and  to  report  to  the  Bishopa  in  1871 
what  legislation,  if  any,  was  necessary.  In  their  report 
the  five  Bishops  represented  to  their  brethren  of  the  House 
of  Bishops  that  there  existed  a  great  and  growing  diversity 
of  use  in  the  conduct  of  public  worship,  which  confused. 
perplexed  and  troubled  the  people;  that  services  over  and 
above  those  provided  in  the  Book  of  Common  Prayer  were 
used  in  certain  churches;  that  the  services  of  the  Prayer- 
Book,  in  some  instances,  are  unlawfully  mutilated,  and  in 
others  so  rendered  as  to  make  it  difficult  to  distinguish  them 
from  those  of  the  Church  of  Rome,  except  in  the  language 
employed. 

For  these  and  other  reasons  the  committee  unanimously 
recommended   that    action   be   taken   by    the   Convention. 

The  distinguished  Bishop  of  Maryland  moved  a  joint 
committee  of  both  houses  to  consider  this  important  matter 
and  report  to  Convention  ;  accordingly  the  committee  was 
duly  appointed  and  was  composed  of  five  Bishops,  five 
Presbyters,  and  five  laymen,  with  the  able  Bishop  of  Mary- 
land at  its  head.  It  was  upon  the  Canon  of  Ritual,  recom- 
mended by  this  committee  and  adopted  by  the  House  of 
Bishops,  that  the  debate  arose  in  the  House  of  Deputies. 
The  Deputies  could  not  agree  upon  the  Canon  proposed  by 
the  Bishops,  and  a  protracted  debate  upon  various  amend- 


THEODORE  BENEDICT  LYMAN.  13 


ments  and  substitutes  was  finally  ended  by  a  vote,  which 
decidedly  rejected  the  Canon  proposed  by  the  Bishops.  In 
the  record  of  the  vote  Dr.  Lyman's  name  is  the  first  name 
recorded,  California  casting  her  vote,  in  both  orders,  in  the 
affirmative.  Great  disappointment  was  felt  by  those  Depu- 
ties who  had  voted  for  the  proposed  Canon,  and  a  feeling 
of  grave  apprehension  was  excited  at  the  failure  of  Con- 
vention to  legislate  upon  a  subject  which  it  was  felt  had 
been  calmly  and  judiciously  considered  by  the  Bishops. 
After  the  vote  was  announced,  and  the  report  of  the  joint 
committee  laid  upon  the  table,  Dr.  Lyman  proposed  two 
resolutions,  which  were  at  once  adopted  by  the  Deputies 
and  concurred  in  by  the  Bishops. 

By  these  resolutions  the  Convention  of  1871  expressed 
"its  decided  condemnation  of  all  ceremonies,  observances 
and  practices  which  are  fitted  to  express  a  doctrine  foreign 
to  that  set  forth  in  the  authorized  standards  of  this  Church." 

"That  the  counsel  and  advice  of  the  Bishops  of  the 
Church  is  deemed  sufficient,  at  this  time,  to  secure  the  sup- 
pression of  all  that  is  irregular  and  unseemly,  and  to  pro- 
mote greater  uniformity  in  conducting  the  public  worship 
of  the  Church  and  in  the  administration  of  the  Holy  Sacra- 
ments." 

Conformity  and  obedience  to  the  doctrine,  discipline  and 
worship  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  the  United 
States  of  America  are  sacred  obligations,  alike  of  Bishops 
and  Priests,  the  sine  qua  non  of  the  Church's  peace,  her 
progress,  and  her  prosperity.  Dr.  Lyman  asserted  these 
fundamental  truths  in  the  General  Convention  of  1871,  and 
presented  his  resolutions  as  the  declaration  of  our  highest 
court  in  loyal  recognition  of  both  the  letter  and  the  spirit 
of  the  Ordinal.  The  vow  of  the  Bishop,  at  his  consecration, 
diligently   to   minister   the   doctrine   and   discipline  of  the 


14  IN    MEMORIAM. 


Church,  according  to  her  written  law  ;  to  maintain  and  set 
forward  the  quietness  and  peace  of  his  Diocese  ;  to  make  the 
Word  of  God,  as  the  Church  has  received  the  same,  the  test 
by  which  he  will  judge  of  all  things  in  doctrine  and  wor- 
ship brought  for  his  decision;  and  his  owd  most  solemn  vow, 
that  he  will  himself  obey  the  Church,  and  conform  himself 
to  her  doctrine,  her  discipline,  and  her  worship.  These  vows 
of  his  covenant  with  God  the  Holy  Ghost,  in  that  most 
momentous  hour  of  his  consecration,  are  not  one  whit  more 
awful,  more  sacredly  binding  upon  the  Bishop's  soul,  than 
are  those  holy  vows  of  his  Presbyters,  by  which  they  enter 
into  covenant  with  God  and  His  Church  before  they 
"receive  the  Holy  Ghost  for  the  office  and  work  of  a  Priest 
in  the  Church  of  (rod/'  committed  unto  them  by  the  impo- 
sition of  hands.  Brethren,  we  have  only  to  be  true  to  our 
ordination  unto  God  and  His  Church,  and  the  blessings  of 
unity  and  peace,  grace  and  prosperity,  shall  abound  unto 
the  abundant  ingathering  of  the  people  among  whom  and 
for  whom  we  are  ordained  to  the  ministry  of  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ. 

In  view  of  the  work  of  revision,  so  lately  completed,  and 
the  Canon  law  making  the  Prayer-Book,  as  finally  revised 
and  adopted  by  the  Convention  of  1892,  the  standard  of 
worship,  and  the  final  arbiter,  in  the  hands  of  the  Bishop, 
on  all  questions  of  rubrical  interpretation,  and  the  conduct 
of  holy  worship.  Bishop  Lyman  held  that  to  break  the  law 
of  the  standard,  or  to  worship  by  some  other  standard,  and 
to  teach  the  people  so  to  worship ;  to  speak  or  write  in 
disparagement  of  the  Prayer-Book  of  the  American  Church, 
the  one,  only  authorized  guide  to  our  worship,  the  sacred 
depository  of  the  creed  of  the  Church,  and  the  witness  for 
the  truth  as  the  Church  receives  and  teaches  it  to  her  peo- 
ple— to  be  disloyal  to  the  Prayer-Book  was  to  be  as  false  to 


THEODORE  BENEDICT  LYMAN.  15 


one's  self  and  as  untrue  to  the  Church  as  if  one  had  openly 
joined  her  enemies,  and  was  avowedly  among  her  foes. 

Like  Bishops  Atkinson  and  Whittingham,  Bishop  Lyman 
was  a  sound,  loyal  and  uncompromising  Churchman. 

He  came  into  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  after  a 
full  examination  of  her  claims  upon  his  conscience  and  his 
reason,  and  he  was  ever  the  champion  of  her  history,  her 
doctrine,  her  discipline  and  worship. 

To  him  she  stood  four-square  for  the  truth,  as  it  is  in 
Jesus,  a  great  Scriptural  structure  founded  on  Apostles  and 
prophets,  Jesus  Christ  being  the  corner-stone. 

For  him  the  Prayer-Book  was  the  symbol  and  law  of  her 
doctrine  and  worship.  Her  Constitution  and  Canons  ruled 
his  ministry.  The  faith  of  the  Church  of  the  Apostolic 
age,  in  its  simplicity  and  fullness,  was  for  him  the  ancient 
Catholic  faith,  and  that  faith  he  found  in  all  its  integrity 
in  the  Reformed  Anglican  Communion,  and  taught  in  our 
Prayer-Book. 

In  the  spring  of  1873  North  Carolina  elected  Dr.  Lyman 
to  the  Episcopate  and  called  him  to  assist  the  great  and 
good  Atkinson. 

The  consecration  of  Dr.  Lyman,  like  my  own  in  South 
Carolina,  was  the  first  consecration  service  held  in  the  Dio- 
cese, and  took  place  in  Christ  Church,  Raleigh,  on  the  11th 
of  December,  1873.  His  beloved  father  in  God,  Whitting- 
ham, of  Maryland,  assisted  by  Bishops  Atkinson  and  Lay, 
being  his  Consecrator. 

The  great  State  of  North  Carolina  formed  the  Diocese, 
and  embraced  a  jurisdiction  including  three  degrees  of  lati- 
tude and  nine  of  longitude,  and  a  population  of  over  one 
million  of  souls. 

Looking  back  to-day,  brethren,  over  the  twenty  years  of 
Bishop   Lyman's    work    in   North    Carolina,  we   can  trace 


16  IN    MEMORIAM. 


throughout  his  Episcopate  the  same  characteristics  which 
marked  his  ministry  iu  Maryland,  in  Pennsylvania,  in 
Europe,  and  in  California. 

Entrusted  by  his  Lord  with  many  talents,  he  employed 
them  actively  and  zealously  in  the  administration  of  his 
Diocese.  He  was  pre-eminently  an  active  Bishop.  His 
hopeful  temper  spurred  his  zeal,  and  his  generous  hand 
urged  on  his  Master's  work. 

Coming  to  North  Carolina  at  a  time  when  our  Southern 
territory  had  been  so  lately  ruthlessly  devastated  by  the 
red  hand  of  war,  and  our  people  impoverished  and  dis- 
heartened, Bishop  Lyman  brought  to  his  work  a  buoyant 
hope  and  strong  heart.  He  threw  himself  into  the  duties 
of  his  office  with  all  the  energy  of  his  nature,  and  proved 
himself  to  be  a  worthy  coadjutor  of  one  of  the  ablest 
among  our  American  Bishops. 

When  you  gave  him  a  pastoral  staff  at  his  jubilee,  Dr. 
Marshall,  in  presenting  it  in  behalf  of  the  Diocese,  bade 
him  accept  it  as  a  mark  of  your  appreciation  of  his  zeal 
and  abundant  labors  as  the  Chief  Shepherd  of  the  flock.  It 
was  the  symbol  of  your  loyalty  to  his  authority  over  you 
in  the  Apostolic  office,  and  your  estimate  of  his  devotion  to 
you  in  the  faithful  discharge  of  his  pastoral  duties. 

"In  a  Diocese  so  large,  and  so  largely  missionary,"  said 
Dr.  Marshall,  "  we  know,  both  Clergy  and  Laity,  how 
bravely  and  cheerfully,  through  good  report  and  through 
evil,  through  stress  of  weather,  and  not  unfrequently  in 
bodily  suffering,  our  beloved  Bishop  has  borne  the  incessant 
anxieties  and  constant  cares  and  onerous  responsibilities 
inseparable  from  the  office  of  a  Bishop  in  the  Church  of 
God." 

The  lamented  death  of  the  Bishop's  devoted  wife,  which 
occurred  in  the  month  of  April,  1889,  deprived  him  of  the 


THEODORE  BENEDICT  LYMAN.  17 


friend  who  had  gladly  shared  his  labors,  generously  con- 
tributed to  his  work,  and  who,  by  deeds  of  charity  and 
liberal  acts  of  love,  had  made  herself  an  essential  part  of 
the  work  and  influence  of  her  husband. 

The  name  of  Anna  Albert  Lyman,  dear  to  the  Church 
in  North  Carolina,  will  be  remembered  in  gratitude  by 
hundreds  whom  her  generous  hand  has  blest,  and  her  high 
and  true  womanhood  consecrated  in  your  hearts  by  her 
life-long  devotion  to  the  interests  and  work  of  the  ministry 
of  the  Church. 

After  the  lamented  death  of  Bishop  Atkinson,  and  until 
the  Diocese  was  divided,  the  great  and  growing  State  of 
North  Carolina  was  the  field  of  his  untiring  activities. 

When  he  spoke  to  you  at  his  jubilee  and  reviewed  his 
work  for  eighteen  years,  he  spoke  as  became  a  Bishop, 
who  judges  his  labors  in  the  light  of  his  responsibilities  to 
his  Lord,  the  needs  of  his  Diocese,  and  the  holy  law  of 
sacrifice. 

Looking  over  these  eighteen  years  of  active  Episcopal 
labors,  he  tells  you,  in  all  humility  before  his  Master  and 
Judge,  that  he  was  not  content  with  his  activities,  or  satis- 
fied with  his  constant  exertions  in  }rour  behalf.  "  The  one 
feeling  "  (he  says)  "  which  is  most  strongly  awakened  within 
me  is  that  of  humiliation  and  sorrow  that  in  so  long  a 
ministry  much  more  has  not  been  accomplished.  I  am 
deeph7  sensible  how  much  has  been  left  undone  which 
ought  to  have  been  done,  and  to  what  a  degree  human 
infirmity  has  availed  to  lessen  the  results  which  might 
have  been  secured."  It  did  not  become  him  then  to  recite 
the  details  of  his  abundant  labors,  but  it  becomes  us  now 
to  recall  them  in  token  of  our  sense  of  the  faithfulness  of 
the  Lord's  steward  over  the  things  committed  to  his  care. 
When,  in  1873,  North  Carolina  called  Dr.  Lvman  from  his 


18  IX    MEMORIAM. 


parish  of  Trinity  Church,  San  Francisco,  to  be  the  assist- 
ant of  her  great  and  good  Bishop,  in  round  numbers  the 
Diocese  had  3,500  communicants  and  51  Clergy.  At  the 
death  of  Bishop  Atkinson,  which  occurred  seven  years 
later,  the  Clergy  of  the  Diocese  numbered  65,  and  the  com- 
municants had  increased  in  round  numbers  to  5,800.  The 
division  of  the  Diocese  in  1884  reduced  the  Clergy  to  54 
and  the  communicants  to  2,900.  At  the  death  of  Bishop 
Lyman  the  Clergy  of  his  Diocese  numbered  64  and  the 
communicants  5,200 — the  Clergy  numbering  only  one  less 
than  the  number  left  by  Bishop  Atkinson,  and  the  com- 
municants within  600  of  the  largest  number  enrolled  by 
the  undivided  Diocese. 

The  Bishop,  with  his  faithful  band  of  Clergy,  had  made 
full  proof  of  the  Apostolic  ministry,  and  he  lived  to  see 
the  blessing  of  the  Lord  poured  out  upon  the  Church  in 
his  Diocese,  and  more  than  the  3,000  of  Pentecost  added  to 
her  Holy  Communion! 

Missions  that  were  struggling  for  life  had  become  self- 
supporting  parishes,  the  standard  of  the  old  Church  securely 
planted  in  new  fields,  guarded  and  defended  by  devoted 
men,  added  to  the  ranks  of  the  Clergy,  and  65  churches 
erected  and  set  apart  for  the  worship  of  Almighty  God. 

Well  might  your  departed  Bishop  adopt  the  language  of 
the  Apostle  to  his  beloved  flock  at  Philippi  :  "I  thank  God 
upon  every  remembrance  of  you  for  your  fellowship  in  the 
Gospel  from  the  first  day  until  now." 

He  rejoiced  in  your  sympathy  and  your  support,  breth- 
ren, for  without  it  his  abundant  zeal  could  not  have  accom- 
plished for  the  Church  in  North  Carolina  the  half  which 
he  accomplished.  Of  this  he  told  you  at  his  jubilee  when 
he  said  from  the  fullness  of  his  overflowing  heart  that  his 
"whole  ministry  in  North   Carolina   had   been  especially 


THEODORE  BENEDICT  LYMAN.  19 


cheered  by  the  uniform  confidence,  the  forbearance,  and  the 
cordial  sympathy  which  it  had  been  his  privilege  so  fully 
to  share." 

That  your  Diocese  should  have  advanced,  my  brethren, 
should  have  grown  in  numbers  and  in  strength,  and  that 
to-day  you  should  stand  with  one  heart  around  my  dear 
brother,  the  worthy  successor  of  Ravenscroft,  and  Atkinson, 
and  Lyman,  is  the  witness  of  the  Lord's  grace  and  blessing 
given  to  His  Church  in  answer  to  the  prayers  and  labors 
of  men  who,  preaching  loyalty  and  unity  in  the  Body  of 
Christ,  live  in  its  Holy  Spirit,  and  work  in  its  sacred  bond. 
Everywhere  in  our  country  the  Church  is  astir  with  the  life 
of  her  great  Head.  She  is  putting  on  her  strength  and 
marching  forth  to  greater  conquests  than  ever  before. 

Bishop  Lay  declared,  in  his  sermon  preached  at  Bishop 
Lyman's  consecration,  what  I  rejoice  to  repeat  to-day  as 
even  more  applicable  to  the  Church  in  1894  than  to  the 
Church  in  1873:  "When,"  said  he,  "since  the  days  of  the 
early  martyrs,  has  there  been  a  Church  more  alive  than 
ours  in  her  several  branches  to  her  high  responsibilities? 

"When  have  the  Holy  Scriptures  been  searched  more 
profoundly  and  devoutly? 

"When  has  there  been  a  more  earnest  outreach  into  the 
highways  and  hedges,  to  bring  the  very  beggars  to  the  feast? 

"  When  a  more  earnest  aspiration  of  individual  souls  to 
attain  a  higher  spirituality?" 

Error  may  vex  and  trouble,  but  it  cannot  cast  down  a 
Church  that  lives  and  works  in  earnest,  in  the  pure  and  life- 
giving  atmosphere  of  practical  godliness. 

This,  dear  brethren,  is  the  strength  and  the  glory  of  the 
Church — that  she  lives  by  her  Lord's  spirit;  works  in  His 
power  and  by  his  authority;  teaches  as  He  commanded  her 
to  teach ;  carries  His  Grace  and  consolation  to  all  who  will 


20  IN    MEMORIAM. 


receive  it,  and  points  only  to  Him  as  the  Way,  the  Truth, 
and  the  Life. 

Every  service  she  appoints  for  the  people  preaches  the 
Gospel  to  the  people.  Jesus  Christ,  in  all  His  fullness,  is 
presented  in  every  office  of  the  Prayer-Book . 

His  ever-blessed  name  is  written  on  every  page,  and  all 
His  holy  offices,  by  which  He  ministers  life  and  salvation 
to  sinners,  are  presented  so  fully,  so  clearly,  so  impressively 
in  the  sacred  round  of  the  Christian  Year,  that  he  who  has 
eyes  to  see  and  ears  to  hear  will  surely  know  what  the 
Spirit  saith  unto  the  Churches. 

And  now,  my  brethren,  I  must  ask  you  to  accept  this 
tribute  to  the  character  and  work  of  your  departed  Bishop, 
imperfect  as  it  is,  as  the  glad  testimony  of  one  who,  coming 
to  know  him  well,  learned  sincerely  to  love  and  to  honor 
him. 

His  work  is  finished.  He  has  joined  the  fathers  of  this 
Diocese  in  the  holy  peace  and  rest  of  Paradise. 

As  we  think  of  him  to-day  in  the  light  of  his  abundant 
labors,  his  clear  and  able  teaching,  his  strong  personality,  his 
princely  liberality  to  the  Church,  and  his  unflinching  loy- 
alty to  the  essential  principles  of  our  Holy  Faith — how 
insignificant  appear  his  faults,  and  how  great  his  virtues! 

The  one  will  be  gladly  forgotten,  and  the  memory  and 
work  of  the  other  will  live  while  the  Church  lives  in  North 
Carolina,  written  deep  on  the  hearts  of  her  people,  and 
perpetuated  in  sacred  temples,  and  living  works  of  love. 

Ye  venerable  men  of  the  Diocese  of  North  Carolina — 
Cheshire,  and  Buxton,  and  Sutton,  and  Wetmore — who 
laid  foundations  and  gave  the  strength  of  your  youth  to 
building  up  parishes,  and  instructing  a  generation  in  the 
holy  principles  of  the  religion  of  our  Lord,  I  rejoice  to 
greet  you  among  your  brethren!     Faithful  coadjutors  of 


THEODORE    BENEDICT    LYMAN.  21 


your  departed  Bishops,  ye  linger  yet  on  the  walls  of  your 
beloved  Zion,  that  ye  may  tell  us  how  ye  built  her  towers 
and  palaces,  and  made  strong  her  bulwarks,  and  that  the 
generation  following  may  know  that  this  God  is  our  God 
forever  and  ever,  and  will  be  our  guide  unto  death  ! 

And  you,  brethren,  strong  in  the  vigor  of  your  ministry, 
on  whom  rests  the  responsibility  of  carrying  on  the  work 
of  your  fathers,  happy  will  you  be  if  you  shall  work  with 
their  faith,  their  zeal,  their  glad  self-sacrifice,  and  their 
undiscouraged  hope! 


James  Fergus  McRee,  M.  D. 
(n<?4-iy 

(A  Biographical  Sketch  with  Portrait.) 


THOMAS  F.  WOOD, 


WILMINGTON,  N.  C    : 
Jackson  &  Bell,  Steam  Power  Presses. 

1891.       / 


.JAMES    F\   McREE,    M.   D., 
Born  Nov.  2SU1.  i79j,  Died  Aug.  9th,  r86p. 


JAMES  FERGUS  Mt-.REE,  )I.D. 

(A  Biographical  Sketch,  with  Portrait.) 
By  Thomas  F.  Wood,  Wilmington,  N.  C. 

Dr.  James  Fergus  McRee  was  born  at  "Lilliput,"  his  father's 
plantation,  fourteen  miles  below  Wilmington,  November  18th,  1794, 
and  died  of  quinsy  in  the  latter  town  on  the  9th  August,  1869. 

He  was  one  of  the  four  sons  of  Major  Griffith  J.  McRee,  an 
officer  in  the  American  army  during  the  Revolutionary  War.  His 
mother  was  Ann  Fergus,  the  daughter  of  Dr.  John  Fergus,  a  native 
of  North  Carolina,  of  Scotch  extraction,  a  graduat  of  the  Edin- 
burgh Medical  College,  and  afterwards  a  surgeon  in  Gen.  Braddock's 
army. 

Major  Griffith  J.  McRee  was  born  in  Bladen  county,  North  Caro- 
lina, and  was  the  son  of  Samuel  McRee,  an  Irish  emigrant  from 
county  Down,  Ireland.  He  was  a  Major  of  cavalry  in  the  Conti- 
nental line,  and  when  the  war  of  1776  ended  he  was  a  Colonel  by 
brevet.  He  was  in  the  Southern  campaigns  with  Green  and  Howe 
and  others,  receiving  the  regular  appointment  of  Captain  of  artil- 
lery 2d  June,  1794,  resigning  in  1798  to  accept  the  appointment  of 
Collector  ot  Revenue  for  the  district  of  Wilmington.  He  died  in 
Smithville  (now  Southport)  30th  October,  1801. 

Dr.  McRee's  brothers  were  Col.  William  McRee,  a  distinguished 
engineer  officer  in   the  United  States  Army,*  who  was  the  eldest 

*Colonel  William  McRee,  born  in  Wilmington  13th  December,  1787, 
was  the  son  of  G.  J.  McRee  and  Ann  Fergus.  His  father  (and  so,  of 
course,  Dr.  James  F  McRee's)  was  the  child  of  an  Irish  emigrant,  was  a 
native  of  South  Carolina,  and  removed  in  early  youth  to  North  Carolina. 
In  1803  he  was  appointed  by  Colonel  Williams,  Chief  of  Engineers,  to 
West  Point,  he  waiting  for  the  lad  to  get  his  outfit,  and  carried  him  with 
him  to  West  Point.  His  warrant  as  a  Cadet  in  Regiment  of  Artillerists 
at  West  Point  dates  April  14,  1803,  and  Cadet  in  Corps  of  Engineers  18<>5. 
In  1807  he  had  command  of  the  Engineer  Department  at  Charleston, 
South  Carolina,  and  in  1808  was  made  Captain.  At  the  commencement 
of  the  War  of  1812  he  was  made  Major  of  Engineers.  In  1813  he  served 
on  the  northern  frontier  with  Hampton  and  Izard.  In  1814  he  distin- 
guished himself  in  an  action  near  Falls  of  Niagara  under  command  of 
General  Jacob  Brown,  for  which  he  was  breveted  Lieutenant  Colonel. 
At  the  battle  of  Fort  Erie  he  served  with  further  distinction  and  was 


2  JAMES    FERGUS    MCREE,    M.D. 

Dr.  Griffith  J.  McRee,  an  older  brother,  who  entered  the  medical 
profession  late  in  life  (1824  or  1825),  died  in  February,  1831,  and 
was  buried  at  "Lilliput,"  the  paternal  estate.  Samuel  McRee,  born 
in  1801,  the  youngest  brother,  was  a  Captain  in  the  United  States 
Army,  who  died  in  St. 'Louis,  Missouri,  in  1849. 

Dr.  McRee,  the  subject  of  our  sketch,  was  at  the  early  age  of 
15  or  16  placed  in  the  office  of  Dr.  Nathaniel  Hill.  His  opportu- 
nities for  academic  education  were  very  small,  his  father  dying  * 
when  he  was  only  7  years  old,  but  according  to  the  custom  of  the 
day  he  went  through  a  regular  service  in  the  office  of  a  physician, 
who  himself  had  served  a  regular  apprenticeship  under  a  Scotch 
apothecary  near  Glasgow,  previous  to  entering  upon  his  medical 
course  at  Edinburgh.  It  was  during  the  time  of  this  training  in 
the  doctor's  shop  (for  in  those  days  it  was  literally  a  drug  shop  and 
laboratoiy  in  a  far  more  complete  sense  than  the  drug  stores  of . 
to-day)  that  he  pursued  the  study  of  Latin  under  the  older  student's 
in  the  office,  and  in  that  language  he  became  quite  proficient. 

While  the  War  of  1812  was  going  on,  although  Wilmington  was 
a  port  into  which  li.e  American  privateersmen  brought  their  cap- 
tured prizes,  and  merchandize  of  various  sorts  was  obtainable  at 
that  point,  some  of  it  being  purchased  and  sent  as  far  north  as 
Philadelphia  by  wagons,  there  was  at  times  a  great  dearth  in  some 
of  the  then  indispensable  drugs,  so  that  young  McRee  found  him- 
self in  these  early  student  days  assisting  his  preceptor  in  making 
calomel  after  the.  old  process  .  from  the  metal,  a  degree  of  the 
chemical  art  which  we  doubt  if  the  best  apothecary  of  to-day  from 
Philadelphia  to  New  Orleans  would  be  skilled  enough  to  undertake 
with  confidence.  Quinine  did  not  come  into  use  until  many  years 
later,  and  "the  bark"  and  all  of  its  various  preparations,  of  which 
Huxham's  tincture  was  the  most  elegant,  was  not  yet  a  rival  of  the 
febrifuge  simples  of  indigenous  growth. 

So  early  as   December  9,  1800*,  the  Medical  Society  of  North 


breve' ed,  after  the  campaign,  November  30,  1814,  Colonel.  He  served 
in  the  battles  of  Chippewa,  Lundy's  Lane,  Fort  Erie  and  New  Orleans 
After  the  war,  April  15,  1815,  he  was  sent  to  Europe  to  examine  military 
schools,  workshops,  canals,  arsenals,  fortifications,  etc..  and  to  purchase 
books,  maps  and  instruments. 

*See  Historical  Note  by  Dr.  Will.  George  Thomas,  p.  75  Transactions 
Medical  Society  of  North  Carolina,  Raleigh,  May  1854. 


JAMES    FERGUS    MCREE,    M.D.  3 

Carolina  offered  premiums  for  the  cultivation  of  the  following 
drugs:  "For  the  largest  quantity  of  not  less  than  10  pounds  of 
Fox-glove,  ten  dollars;  for  the  largest  quantity  not  less  than  5 
pounds  of  opium,  twenty-five  dollars  (to  be  exhibited  at  the  next 
meeting  of  the  Society),*  for  the  largest  quantity  not  less  than  10 
pounds  of  rhubarb,  exhibited  to  the  Society  in  4  years,  thirty  dollars; 
for  the  largest  quantity  of  castor-oil  not  less  than  5  gallons,  to  be 
obtained  without  heat,  five  dollars;' and  for  the  largest  quantity 
not  less  than  50  pounds  of  senna,  ten  dollars." 

So  ran  the  patriotic  sentiment  of  the  profession  of  that  day,  that 
they  must  not  buy  or  use  imported  drugs,  but  bend  their  energies 
to  supplying  their  own  needs.  The  list  was  a  small  one,  to  be  sure* 
but  not  even  burning  patriotism  could  cause  the  most  needed  plants 
to  grow  in  a  soil  and  climate  not  suited  to  them.  In  the  north 
D.  Jacob  Bigelow  had  led  the  profession  in  the  study  of  indigenous 
medicines,  and  sixteen  years  after  the  North  Carolina  Society  had 
made  an  effort  to  grow  drugs,  he  had  published  his  magnificent 
work  entitled  American  Botany  (1817).  In  (1817),  the  same  year, 
Dr.  W.  P.  C.  Barton,  professor  of  botany  in  the  University  of 
Pennsylvania,  published  "A  Vegetable  Materia  Medica  of  the 
United  States,"f  and  in  the  preface  to  his  Flora  of  North  America, 
1821,  he  says:  "That  spirit  of  independence  which  forms  the 
basis  of  character  in  a  true  American,  has  discovered  its  determi- 
nation to  emancipate  itself  from  a  scientific  subjugation  to  foreign 
countries.'"  This  emancipation  was  to  be  largely  in  the  discovery 
of  indigenous  plants  possessing  medicinal  qualities. 

*It  was  not  done  at  the  next  meeting.  (See  above  vol.  of  Trans  ) 
fThis  work,  now  quite  scarce,  appeared  originally  in  six  parts  in 
board  covers,  each  part  containing  colored  drawings  of  ten  plants, 
which  were  engraved  and  colored  from  original  drawings  made  princi- 
pally by  the  author.  The  drawing  and  engraving,  and  probably  the 
printing,  were  done  in  France,  although  bearing  a  Boston  publisher's 
name  on  the  title  page.  "  Barton's  Vegetable  Materia"  has  not  quite 
the  finish  of  its  Boston  rival,  but  has  the  appearance  of  being  a  produc- 
tion of  the  American  press,  having  the  imprint  of  M.  Carey  &  Son, 
Philadelphia,  the  predecessor  of  the  present  old  house  of  Lea  Brothers 
&  Co.  Dr.  Barton's  work  was  quite  a  rival  of  Bigelow's,  and  both  were 
great  undertakings  for  their  day.  The  explorations  of  Louis  &  Clark, 
he  says  in  his  preface,  had  "  led  to"high|expectations  in  every  branch  of 
science  "     Dr.  Shoepf,  who  came  to  America  with  the  German  troops 


4  JAMES   FERGUS    MCREE,    M.D. 

The  medical  student  of  the  early  part  of  the  century,  when  he 
was  filling  the  measure  of  his  struggle  towards  the  highest  grade 
in  professional  life,  made  medical  botany  his  serious  study,  as  by 
his  expertness  in  detecting  medicinal  plants  came  the  replenishing 
of  his  stock  of  drugs.  To  this  branch  young  McRee  assiduously 
applied  himself,  and  in  the  admirable  library*  which  he  collected, 
only  a  fragment  of  which  existed  when  it  came  under  the  eye  of 
the  writer,  there  was  hardly  a  classical  work  of  the  earlier  naturalists 
of  which  we  did  not  find  some  volume. 

When  he  was  ready  to  attend  lectures  he  had  already  made  large 
acquisitions  of  knowledge  by  his  apprenticeship  of  four  years  or 
more,  which  is  indicated  by  the  fact  that  he  graduated  at  the  New 
York  Medical  College,  now  the  College  of  Physicians  and  Surgeons, 
in  1814,  after  one  course  of  lectures.!  Dr.  John  H.  Hill,]:  a  retired 
physician  and  a  revered  Honorary  Member  of  the  Medical  Society 
of  North  Carolina,  says  that  he  and  his  friend  Dr.  Waters  went  to 
attend  lectures  in  New  Fork  in  1829-':H);  they  took  Dr.  McRee's 
lecture  notes  with  them,  and  they  found  the  notes  on  Dr  Hosack's 
lectures  were   nearly   verbatim,   as  then  delivered.     Although  his 

during  the  Revolutionary  War,  published  the  first  work  on  American 
medical  botany,  entitled  '  Materia  Medica  Americana  potissimu  n  Requi 
Vegetabilis,"  and  it  seems  to  have  been  through  this  stimulus  that  the 
contribution  of  the  elder  Dr.  Barton  ('Collections  for  Essay  towards  a 
Materia  M  die  i  of  the  United  States,  179S),  was  written  Succeeding 
this  "Cox-'s  American  Dispensatory,"  "Thatcher's  Dispensatory,'' 
and  the  "  Pha  macopceia  of  the  Massachusett's  Medical  Society,"  as 
B  rton  states,  were  all  the  accessible  works  on  indigenous  plants  He 
earnestly  solicit-  information  from  country  practitioners  of  medicine 
residi.  g  in  different  parts  of  the  United  States  to  send  him  their  obser- 
vations upon  medicinal  plants 

*His  library  suffered  very  much  by  neglect  even  before  his  death  As 
intimated  above,  he  brought  into  his  collection  the  choicest  volumes, 
the  natural  sciences  bearing  a  large  proportion  to  medicine  Ii  was 
placed  at  the  disposal  of  Dr.  E  A  Anderson  after  the  civil  war,  and  he 
l>rese'  ted  al   the  desiraMe  volumes  to  the  Surgeou  General  s  Library 

f  I'he  American  Medical  and  Philosophical  Register  says  that  James 
Fe  gus  McR  e  graduated  5th  in  the  list  at  a  commencement  held 
Tuesda>    Ma\  3d,  1<S14  ;  h^   presented  a  thesis  on  "  Remittent  Fever  of 

aro  ma  " 

|  We  es  re  to  make  our  acknowledgment  to  Dr  John  H.  Hill,  now  of 
Guldsborough,  for  the  kind  assistance  he  has  given  us  in  the  preparation 
of  this  sketch. 


JAMES    FERGUS    MCREE,    M.P.  5 

acquirements  enabled  him  to  graduate  in  one  session,  he  returned  to 
New  York  and  attended  another  course. 

Dr.  McRee  entered  upon  the  practice  of  his  profession  in  his 
native  town  in  1814,  succeeding  his  preceptor,  Dr.  Nat.  Hill,  who 
had  retired,  leaving  his  practice  to  Dr.  James  Henderson,  his  son- 
in-law,  and  his  young  friend  McRee.  Dr.  Henderson  removed  to 
Raleigh,  thereby  giving  Dr.  McRee  the  leading  practice  in  the 
town. 

Fie  was  married  at  Rocky  Run,  near  Wilmington,  to  a  niece  of 
Dr.  Nat.  Hill,  November  14th,  1810,  and  had  two  children — Dr. 
Griffith  J.  McRee,  author  of  the  "Life  and  Correspondence  of 
James  Iredell,"  and  Dr.  James  F.  McRee,  Jr.,  for  years  a  successful 
practitioner  in  Wilmington,  and  a  surgeon  in  the  Confederate 
Army. 

THE    YELLOW    FEVER    OF    1821.* 

Dr.  McRee  was  27  yeais  of  age  when  he  faced  the  epidemic  of 
yellow  fever  of  1821.  This  was  a  very  severe  visitation.  The 
period  of  incubation  of  this  epidemic  was  from-  the   12th  of  July 

*Wil.T)ington  in  1821  was  a  small  village  of  2,o00  inhabitants,  doing  a 
considerable  commerce  with  the  West  Indies.  Eagles'  Island,  opposite 
the  town,  contains  many  thousand  acres  of  swamp  land,  and  was  then 
part  under  cultivation  in  rice  by  the  irrigation  method,  and  from  North 
east  to  Southwest  the  town  was  surrounded  by  rice-fields  [Letter  of 
Dr.  John  Hill  in  the  "American  Medical  Recorder,"  1821 — "Yellow 
Fever  as  it  prevailed  in  W>lmington  in  1821  ]  "The  parts  of  the  town 
atljacent  to  the  river  are  but  a  (ew  feet  elevated  above  its  surface  The 
wharve-!  are  made  ground,  badly  constructed,  and  are  always  overflowed 
by  storms  and  frequently  by  high  tides  "  There  was  in  the  vicinity  of 
he  public  square  an  unfinished  wharf,  partly  filled  with  decaying  vege- 
table matter  The  aocks  were  notoiiously  filthy,  and  the  cellars  so  low 
and  damp  as  to  require  bailing  daily  in  wet  seasons  The  commercial 
part  of  the  business  of  the  town'" being  conducted  mostly  by  strangers, 
"who  desert  us  during  the  sickly  season,"  their  premises  being  locked 
up,  they  were  rendered  putrid  by  the  decaying  "potatoes  and  other 
vegetable  substances  left  there  "  Such  had  been  the  condition  of  things 
for  years  The  brig  "John  London  "  came  in  from  Havana  25th  I uly, 
1821,  and  foil  jwing  upon  it  was  the  appearance  of  yellow  fever.  Dr 
John  Hill,  in  his  article  to  the  "American  Medical  Recorder,"  contends 
for  the  local  origin  of  the  fever  (and  its  now  contagiousness),  apparently 
believing  it  to  be  an  intensified  form  of  bilious  fever,  One  of  his  col- 
leagues had  asserted  that  he  had  attended  two  cases  of  yellow  fever 


6  JA.MES    FERGUS    MCREE,    Ar.D. 

to  the  9th  of  August.  His  sister,  Mrs.  Morrison,  died  of  the  disease 
at  Smithville. 

Dr.  John  Hill  says  it  did  not  have  respect  to  age,  sex  or  color. 
Dr.  McRee'g  account  of  it  to  Dr.  John  II.  Hill  was  that  there  were 
many  "  walking  cases  "  A  man  would  feel  as  if  lie  had  recovered 
entirely  of  the  disease,  get  uj>,  put  on  his  clothes,  walk  down  street 
as  though  nothing  was  the  matter  with  him;  meet  his  friends  and 
be  congratulated  on  his  recovery,  return  home,  and  in  a  short  time 
expire,  One  case  he  related  of  Mr.  Charles  Wright,  a  prominent 
lawyer  of  that  time,  who  had  avoided  the  exposure  of  the  contagion 
by  residing  on  the  Sound  fs  miles  from  Wilmington).  After  the 
epidemic  had  ceased  he  came  up  to  town,  on  his  way  to  Duplin 
county.  Dr.  McRee  met  him  and  cautioned  him  by  no  means  to 
go  into  his  office,  as  his  servant  had  been  sick  there  and  recovered, 
since  which  the  office  had  been  closed  without  ventilation.  He 
remarked  that  his  papers  were  in  the  office  and  that  he  must  get 
them  as  it  would  be  useless  for  him  to  go  to  court  without  them. 

before  the  "John  London'"  came  in.  The  story  of  the  arrival  of  the 
vessel  a'ter  twelve  day's  passage  from  Havana  with  a  sick  mate  on 
board  who  had  fever  and  jaundice  (to  the  latter  disease  he  declared  to 
the  health  officer  he  was  subject!);  the  only  other  sick  man  was  one 
who,  iii  a  fit  of  mental  derangement  owing  to  the  voyage,  jumped  over- 
board and  was  drowned  ;  the  bedding  of  the  captain  was  taken  to  his 
house,  into  the  thickest  settled  part  of  the  town,  and  no  sickness  occur- 
red in  his  family;  "  many  of  the  most  respectable  citizens  partook  of  a 
collation  on  board  the  "John  London,"  and  were  seated  for  hours  in 
the  cabin  in  unsuspecting  "  security,  passing  the  fiery  ordeal  unharmed  ' ; 
it  was  some  time  in  August  when  the  disease  began  to  be  epidemic 
Here  we  have  the  story  of  yellow  fever  which  was  actually  repeated 
torty-one  years  after.  The  treatment  of  that  day  was  just  as  it  re- 
mained for  fifty  years  afterward  ;  following  Dr  Johnson  [Dr.  James 
Johnson,  the  author  of  "The  Influence  of  Tropical  CH mates  on  Euro- 
pean Constitutions,"  etc  ,  etc],  calomel  was  given  in  20-gr  doses  with  } 
grain  of  opium,  and,  not  waiting  for  the  action  of  the  calomel,  which  was 
retarded  by  the  opium,  an  enema  was  given.  The  immediate  object  after 
the  bowels  were  evacuated  was  to  "establish  a  full  mercurial  action  by 
calomel  and  the  ointment,  Dr  Hill  adding,  emphatically,  that  he  ever 
found  this  treatment  "no  fraud  upon  the  public."  [It  is  worth  noting 
that  Dr.  Hill  gave  with  satisfaction  carbon"  (pulverized  charcoal), 
"  rubbed  up,"  h  to  1  teaspoonful  in  an  ounce  of  lime-water,  and  repeated 
it  every  hour,  to  keep  the  stomach  quiet.] 


JAMES    FERGUS    MCREE,    M.D.  1 

He  did  so,  went  to  court,  and,  after  being  there  a  few  days,  was 
take-)  sick  with  symptoms  of  the  fever,  started  home,  but  got  no 
further  South  than  Washington,  from  which  place  he  sent  for  Dr. 
McRee,  dying  before  he  could  get  to  him.  The  friend  who  roomed 
with  him  and  nursed  him  at  court  and  until  he  died,  entirely  escaped 
the  disease.  This  incident  fairly  identifies  the  nature  of  the  disease 
as  the  same  which  visited  us  in  ]  862.  The  physicians  who  practiced 
in  Wilmington  at  that  date  were  Dr.  DeRosset,  the  elder,  and  Dr. 
John  Hill,  who  was  afterwards  President  of  the  Bank  of  Cape  Fear. 
When  the  epidemic  of  1862  visited  Wilmington  Dr.  McRee  was 
the  only  physician*  who  had  any  experience  in  it,  and  he  was  not 
slow  to  recognize  the  fever,  although  he  had  then  been  sixteen  a  ears 
out  of  practice.  He  nursed  the  lamented  Dr.  Dickson  during  his 
fatal  attack  of  the  fever. 

Dr.  McRee  was  magistrate  of  police  (equivalent  to  Mayor)  for 
the  town  of  Wilmington  from  about  1827  to  1831,  a  period  cover- 
ing the  time  of  the  so-called  "negro  insurrection,"  commanding  at 
the  time  a  troop  of  cavalry  that  did  effective  patrol  duty.  WThen 
Wilmington  was  captured  by  the  Federal  Army  (1865)  the  older 
negroes  who  remembered  his  day  of  municipal  rule,  plied  the  ears 
of  their  willing  listeners,  the  officials  of  the  army  of  occupation, 
with  bitter  tales  of  their  wrongs,  which  caused  them  to  treat  him 
with  gross  indignity. 

AS    A    BOTANIST. 

When  Mr.  Moses  A.  Curtis  came  to  Wilmington  from  Massachu- 
setts, in  October,  1830,  as  tutor  to  Governor  Dudley,  he  found 
Dr.  McRee  a  most  diligent  student  of  botany.  One  of  his  old 
friends  writes  me  that,  "Amidst  all  his  labors  in  his  profession  he 
devoted  a  great  deal  of  his  time  to  botany."  His  practice  was 
largely  in  the  country,  and  the  young  doctor  could  ride  along  the 
solitary  roads  for  miles,  greeted  at  nearly  every  step  with  the  happy 
faces  of  old  and  new  floral  friends.  From  savanna  to  sandhill,  from 
river  swamp  to  causeway,  in  the  flaring  heat  of  an  August  sun  or 
the  nipping  frosts  of  January,  he  caught  the  glowing  colors  of  the 
liatris,  the  coreopsis,  the  solidago,  the  gerardia,  and  was  enlivened 
by  the  busy  hum  of  the  insects  among  the  sarracenias  and  droseras, 

*It  was  stated  differently,  but  erroneously,  in  the  biography  of  Dr. 
Dickson,  in  the  August  number.     . 


8  JAMES    FERGUS    MCREE,    M.D. 

nor  had  he  far  to  look  in  the  sheltered  nook  of  a  bog  for  a  brave 
spiranthes,  with  its  spiral  necklace  of  pearls,  or  an  aster,  with  its 
radiant  purple,  lifting  their  heads  amid  the  desolation  of  winter. 
It  was  in  such  a  school  that  he  trained  his  perception,  heightened 
his  power  of  diagnosis,  exercised  his  memory,  and  meditated  upon 
the  wonders  of  God's  providence  and  creation.  A  lost  art  now, 
because  of  the  necessities  of  other  studies  and  diversions,  but  one 
which  at  this  day  added  a  galaxy  of  distinguished  names  to  science 
and  likewise  added  permanent  material  to  botanical  knowledge.* 

Dr.  McRee  retired  from  practice  first  in  1834-'35,  and  settled 
upon  a  plantation  at  Rocky  Point  (now  in  Pender  county),  about 
fifteen  miles  from  Wilmington.  He  was  a  successful  planter,  find- 
ing it  congenial  with  his  tastes,  and  affording  him  opportunity  to 
indulge  his  passion  for  botanical  exploration.  When  the  Rev. 
M.  A.  Curtis  published  his  "Catalogue  of  Plants  Growing  Sponta- 
neously Around  Wilmington,"  in  1832,  he  made  his  acknowl- 
edgment to  him  for  his  assistance,  and  all  through  the  list  we  see 
rare  plants  inserted  upon  his  authority,  most  of  them  found  at 
Rocky  Point.  Subsequently  he  added  30  or  40  new  plants  to 
Curtis'  list. 

He  conducted  a  considerable  botanical  correspondence  and  ex- 
change of  plants  with  other  botanists,  and  kept  his  own  herbarium 
renewed  with  fresh  specimens  up  to  later  days.  In  183T  he  made  a 
journey  to  Southwest  Georgia,  stopping  over  at  Augusta  to  pay  his 
respects  to  Dr.  Ray,  a  botanical  correspondent  he  had  never  seen, 
and  the  meeting  between  the  two  friends  was  of  that  cordial  sort 
that  only  the  kinship  of  botany  can  inspire. 

Shortly  after  he  returned  from  Georgia  he  resumed  the  practice 
of  medicine  in  Wilmington,  continuing  in  it  until  1846.  He  pur- 
chased the  old  estate  of  the  Revolutionary  patriot,  Cornelius 
Harnett,  from  John  R.  London.  Here,  amid  the  beautiful  floral 
family  which  he  gathered  around  him,  he  expected  to  end  his  days. 
Every  ornamental  tree  or  shrub  he  came  across  in  his  botanizing 
tramps  he  added  to   his  collection,  until   his  broad  acres  imitated 


*His  name  is  only  signalized  in  botany  by  the  naming  of  a  species 
(a  variety,  according  to  Sereno  Watson)  of  Galactia  Macreei,  incorrectly 
spelt,  by  the  author  quoted,  Macr:ei. 


JAMES    FERGUS    MCREE,    M.D.  9 

the  botanical  gardens  of  Michaux,  near  Charleston  and  Bartram, 
at  Germantown.* 

Pie  was  a  successful  horticulturist,  raising  upon  his  farm  at 
Hilton  a  variety  of  kitchen  products  not  found  at  that  day  (185*7) 
in  our  markets — ta:,iers,  rhubarb,  canteloupes,  burr-artichokes 
(cynara  scolymus),  and  others — stimulating  others  in  the  art  of 
kitchen  gardening  by  his  example. 

It  was  as  a  diagnostician  that  Dr.  McRee  excelled,  and  in  the 
consciousness  of  his  ability  his  manner  was  that  of  the  autocrat. 
This  trait  extended  into  many  of  the  relations  of  life.  His  pride 
was  that  of  conscious  power,  and  the  ail-but  unlimited  scope  of  his 
authority  over  his  large  household  and  plantation  servants,  and  the 
ready  admission  of  his  superior  learning  by  his  confreres,  tended 
to  confirm  him  in  it.  The  spirit  of  the  faculty  of  *hat  day  was 
that  of  imperiousness  and  dogmatic  assertion,  and  in  his  own  com- 
munity he  was  an  "authority"  to  be  feared  by  opponent,  to  be 
warmly  welcomed  by  friend. 

As  a  surgeon,  he  was  bold  and  original,  at  a  period  when  the 
amputation  of  a  limb  or  couchiog  a  cataract  was  considered  the 
test  of  surgical  ability.  As  early  as  1840,  Dr.  E.  A.  Anderson 
relates,  he  performed  a  plastic  operation  for  the  restoration  cf  a 
perineum  in  the  person  of  one  of  his  negro  servants,  who  was 
suffering  from  complete  procidentia  uteri. 

His  habit  of  study  was  a  part  of  his  existence,  and  after  he  had 
attained  the   seventies  he  was  a  diligent   reader  of  the  standard 

*The  ancient  mansion  of  Cornelius  Harnett  overlooks  the  banks  oj 
the  Northeast  Cape  Fear  River.  It  comprised  a  large  tract  of  well 
wooded  uplaud,  with  a  small  body  of  swamp  rice-land  skirting  it  to  the 
North  and  East.  It  was  here  that  Harnett  lived,  and  where,  during 
Dr.  McRee's  day,  an  old-fashioned  Southern  hospitality  abounded.  It 
was  sold  in  1867  to  Mr.  Grafflin,  of  Baltimore.  Since  then  the  proud 
acres  are  scarred  by  an  ugly  railroad  cut,  an  iron  bridge  crossing  the 
river  at  this  point,  and  the  pumping  station  and  stand-pipe  of  the 
Clarendon  Water  Works  denoting  the  changed  spirit  of  the  times.  The 
quaint  old  house  is  at  the  mercy  of  negro  tenants,  and  in  a  few  years  all 
will  be  ruins  It  was  under  the  hill,  only  a  few  yards  from  this  house, 
that  Mr.  t  anby,  of  Wilmington,  Delaware,  found  a  specimen  of  true 
Maiden's  Hair  Fern,  Adiantum  Capillus-Veneris,  which  had  escaped 
the  keen  eyes  of  both  Curtis  and  McRee.  What  would  the  old  botanist 
have  said  had  he  known  of  the  presence  of  such  a  treasure  so  close 
under  his  windows! 


10  JAMES    FKItGUS    MCREE,    M.D. 

authors  in  medicine.  Only  a  week  or  so  before  he  died  lie  was 
enjoying  the  classical  work  of  "Pareira  on  Materia  Medica  and 
Therapeutics. 

An  old  copy  of  the  Cape  Fear  Recorder  states  that  he  was 
elected  a  vestryman  in  St.  James'  church  February  7th,  1S27.  His 
seat  was  occupied  in  church  with  such  regularity  that  the  minister 
would  have  been  as  much  missed  as  he.  As  the  shades  of  old  age 
gathered  around  him  he  lost  much  of  his  austerity  of  manner,  and 
took  special  pleasure  in  aiding  the  young  students  of  the  profession. 
His  readiness  in  his  latter  days  in  botanical  diagnosis  was  the  ad- 
miration of  all  who  sought  information  from  him. 

His  continued  interest  in  the  profession  is  shown  by  the  fact  that, 
as  late  as  1868,  he  was  President  of  the  New  Hanover  County 
Medical  Association. 

The  following  memorial  of  his  life-work  is  taken  from  the  records 
of  this  Association  : 

"Died,  suddenly,  in  the  city  of  Wilmington,  on  the  morning  of 
the  9th  of  August,  1869,  Dr.  James  F.  McRee,  Sr.,  in  the  75th 
year  of  his  age. 

"In  this  brief  notice  we  have  to  record  the  unexpected  death  of 
our  oldest  and  most  prominent  physician.  Dr.  McRee  was  in  every 
sense  a  veteran  in  the  service.  For  more  than  50  years  he  wore  the 
harness  of  the  physician,  and  as  such  treated  four  generations — 
dying  loved  and  honored  by  them  all.  He  outlived  the  venerable 
DeRossett,  the  Nestor  of  the  profession,  who  carried  us  back  to 
the  da}rs  of  Cornwallis  and  the  Revolution  of  1776.  He  was  a 
contemporary  of  the  lamented  Dickson,  a  pupil  of  Dr.  Nathaniel 
Hill,  the  finished  scholar  and  high-toned  gentleman  of  the  old 
school.  He  lived  to  see  them  all  sleep  the  last  sleep  of  the  just, 
aod  has  now  gone  to  join  the  endless  number  of  those  whose  dying 
moments  his  gentle  hand  and  kind  heart  led  through  the  dark  valley 
of  death. 

"Dr.  McRee  was  a  man  of  more  thau  ordinary  attainments — a 
finished  classical  scholar,  he  read  Latin  and  French  with  as  much 
ease  as  English — an  accomplished  chemist,  a  bold,  daring  and 
skillful  surgeon,  unrivalled  in  his  diagnosis  and  prognosis — he 
became  the  most  popular  and  successful  practitioner  on  the  'Cape 
Fear.' 

"In  the  department  of  botany  the  Doctor  excelled — that  branch 


JAMES  FERGUS  MCREE,  M.D.  11 

of  our  profession  so  much  neglected.  Loving  and  cultivating 
flowers  with  the  gentle  and  refined  taste  of  a  woman,  his  residence 
in  our  city  was  one  gay  parterre  of  rare  native  and  foreign  plants. 
In  his  younger  and  palmier  days,  elegant  and  refined  taste  marked 
his  beautiful  garden,  with  its  endless  variety  of  roses,  jessamines, 
lilies  and  magnolias,  while  a  large  and  spacious  hot-house  was 
crowded  with  rare  and  gorgeous  tropical  plants. 

"  With  the  indigenous  '  Materia  Medica,'  the  Doctor  was  perfectly 
familiar,  and  was  authority  on  all  disputed  points  of  botany,  and 
was  referred  to  on  every  hand  to  determine  the  name,  class  and 
properties  of  any  unknown  plants  in  the  Cape  Fear  region,  many 
of  which  he  used  successfully  in  his  practice.  Always  courteous 
and  considerate  in  his  deportment  to  his  fellow-physicians,  he  won 
their  esteem  and  affection.  A  strong  supporter  of  the  Medical 
Society,  he  filled  the  honored  place  of  President  for  some  time,  and 
even  when  the  infirmities  of  years  put  an  end  to  the  active  duties 
of  his  profession;  his  venerable  form  encouraged  by  his  presence 
the  debates  and  discussions  of  the  younger  members. 

"No  time  server  or  trickster  was  he  ; 
No  truckler  to  the  dominant  powers  that  be." 

"  In  the  great  contest  through  which  our  State  has  just  passed, 
his  heart  was  with  his  own  people.  He  lived  and  died  true  to  the 
South,  the  land  of  his  birth.  To  the  day  of  his  death  he  took  an 
active  interest  in  the  profession  he  so  long  served.  Fond  of  medi- 
cal literature,  he  read  with  eagerness  all  the  new  journals,  and  loved 
to  discuss  medical  topics  with  his  friends.  A  perfect  mind  in  a 
failing  body,  his  grand  intellect  was  unclouded  to  the  last.  Sud- 
denly, without  warning,  without  pain,  he  passed  from  life  to  death. 
But,  not  unprepared,  his  house  was  in  perfect  order.  He  who  had 
looked  unblenchingly  upon  death  for  years,  feared  it  not  now,  for 
he  died  the  death  of  the  righteous.  A  noble  Christian  gentleman, 
a  kind-hearted,  benevolent  man,  a  tender,  skillful  physician,  the 
tears  and  wails  of  mothers  and  orphans  follow  him  to  his  lonely 
grave,  where  sleep  peacefully  the  bodies  of  his  loved  ones,  who 
preceded  him  but  a  few  years  ago." 

"  Mark  the  honest  man  and  behold  the  upright,  for  his  end  is 
peace." 


A  MEMORIAL 

OP  THE 

HON.    GEORGE   DA 


(iUp- 


BORN  IN  NEW  HANOVER  COUNTY,  NORTH  CAROLINA, 
MARCH  1ST,  1820. 

DIED  IN  WILMINGTON,  N.  C,  FEBRUARY  23RD,  1896. 


A  MEMORIAL 


OF  THE 


Hon.  George  Davis, 


Born  in  Hew  Hanover  County,  Horth  Carolina, 
March  1st,  1820. 


Senator  from  the  State  of  Horth  Carolina,  in  the 

Congress  of  the  Confederate  States 

of  America. 


Attorney  General  of  the  Confederate  States  of 
America. 


DIED  !N  WILMINGTON,  N.  C,  FEBRUARY  23RD,  1896. 


Prepared  and  published  by  direction  of  the  Wilmington 

Chamber  of  Commerce. 

1896. 


<fy* 


?-<l£lfc> 


^Vf 


Wilmington,  H.  ft,  March  5th,  1896. 

At  a  special  meeting  of  the  Wilmington  Chamber 
of  Commerce  called  to  receive  the  report  of  Messrs. 
James  Sprunt,  William  Calder  and  William  R. 
Kenan,  a  committee  appointed  at  the  last  meeting 
of  the  Chamber  "to  prepare  a  suitable  memorial  and 
record"  of  the  Honorable  George  Davis  ;  the  Presi- 
dent, Mr.  James  H.  Chadbourn,  Jr.,  being  in  the 
chair,  Mr.  William  Calder,  on  behalf  of  the  said 
committee,  presented  and  read  the  following  : 


flDemorial. 


6)  J^OUR  committee,  appointed  to  prepare  a  "  suitable  memorial 
>VJand  record"  of  our  late  distinguished  and  venerated 
citizen,  the  Honorable  George  Davis,  approached  the  task 
assigned  them  with  a  profound  sense  of  their  own  inadequacy  to 
offer  anything  worthy  of  that  noble  life,  but  with  an  earnest  de 
sire  to  add  to  all  the  true  and  beautiful  things  that  have  been 
said  of  him  some  memorial  that  would  more  fully  set  forth  the 
labors  and  achievements  of  the  foremost  citizen  of  our  Cape  Fear 
section. 

To  do  this  we  have  thought  nothing  could  be  more  appropriate 
than  a  free  use  of  his  own  writings  and  the  testimony  of  his  con- 
temporaries at  the  various  periods  of  his  life  —what  he  said,  what 
he  wrote  and  what  he  did,  obtaining  thus  a  clearer  conception 
and  reminder  of  his  high  morality,  his  great  ability  and  his  rare 
eloquence. 

We  are  also  moved  to  this  course  by  the  hope  that  it  may  in- 
spire the  rising  generation  with  a  desire  to  study  his  career,  and 
in  a  grateful  people  the  resolve  to  rescue  from  oblivion  his  scat- 
tered compositions. 

Nearly  fifty  years  ago,  a  gifted  young  orator,  who  had  from 
boyhood  held  the  admiration  and  confidence  of  his  fellow- 
citizens  of  Wilmington,  appeared  before  a  large  assembly  in  the 
old  Presbyterian  church  on  Front  street,  and  said  : 

"  He  who  has  watched  the  sun  in  its  bright  course  through 
the  firmament  and  seen  it  gradually  decline  until  it  went  down 
in  darkness  beneath  the  horizon,  may  turn  from  the  contempla- 
tion with  no  feelings  of  sorrow  or  regret,  for  he  knows  that  the 
period  of  its  absence  is  mercifully  ordained  as  a  season  of  neces- 
sary repose  to  him  and  to  all,  and  that  the  morrow  will  restore 
its  beams  to  revive  and  reanimate  all  nature.     But  if  the  last 


declining  ray  which  struck  upon  his  eyelids  had  brought  to  him 
the  conviction  that  he  had  gazed  for  the  last  time  upon  the  sun 
in  the  heaven — that  henceforward  there  was  to  be  no  more  rising 
nor  setting,  no  morning  nor  evening,  nor  light,  nor  heat — no 
effulgent  day,  with  all  its  glorious  beauties  and  excellencies  ;  but 
night  and  darkness,  unrelieved  save  by  the  twinkling  stars,  were 
to  be  the  law  of  earth  forever — with  what  sensations  would  the 
poor  wanderer  view  that  last  setting  of  the  sun ! 

"  With  feelings  somewhat  akin  to  those  I  have  imagined  we 
behold  the  death  of  the  great  and  good  whom  we  love  and 
reverence.  But  now,  they  were  here,  with  all  the  generous 
impulses  and  excelling  virtues  that  dignify  and  adorn  humanity 
clustering  thickly  around  them.  We  rejoiced  in  their  presence, 
we  were  better  under  their  benignant  influence,  we  were  happy 
in  their  smiles — we  felt  that  it  was  day,  and  looked  not  into  the 
future.  They  are  gone.  The  places  of  earth  shall  know  them  no 
more  forever.  The  mysterious  law  which  loosens  the  silver  cord 
and  breaks  the  pitcher  at  the  fountain,  penetrates  the  heart.  The 
darkness  and  the  thick  night  of  desolation  are  upon  us.  But 
we  have  more  than  the  pale  rays  of  the  twinkling  stars  still  left 
to  guide  and  cheer.  By  the  light  of  their  lofty  deeds  and  kindly 
virtues  memory  gazes  back  into  the  past,  and  is  content.  By  the 
light  of  Revelation  hope  looks  beyond  the  grave  into  the  bright 
day  of  immortality,  and  is  happy.  So,  with  the  consolation  of 
memory  and  hope,  let  us  take  the  lesson  of  the  great  calamity 
which  has  befallen  our  country." 

The  eloquent  speaker  was  George  Davis,  and  the  occasion  was 
an  outpouring  of  our  people  to  honor  the  memory  of  the  illus- 
trious Henry  Clay. 

Mr.  Davis  was  born  March  1st,  1820,  on  his  father's  planta- 
tion at  Porter's  Neck,  then  in  New  Hanover,  now  Pender,  county. 
His  father  was  Thomas  F.  Davis,  and  his  mother  Sarah  Isabella 
Eagles,  daughter  of  Joseph  Eagles. 

He  left  home  at  eight  years  of  age,  and  attended  the  school  of 
Mr.  W.  H.  Hardin,  at  Pittsboro,  after  which  he  returned  to 
Wilmington,  where,  upon  the  invitation  of  Governor  Dudley,  he 


was  prepared  for  college  by  Mr.  M.  A.  Curtis  (afterwards  the 
Rev.  Dr.  Curtis,  of  Hillsboro),  who  then  acted  as  tutor  in  the 
Governor's  family  at  his  residence  on  the  corner  of  Front  and 
Nun  streets.  He  matriculated  at  Chapel  Hill  in  the  fourteenth 
year  of  his  age,  the  youngest  member  of  his  class,  and  graduated 
when  eighteen,  with  the  highest  honors  of  the  University.  We 
have  before  us  the  time-stained  pages  of  his  valedictory  address, 
the  lofty  sentiments  of  which  indicate  an  embryotic  type  of  true 
manhood,  which  steadily  developed  with  his  years.  After  a 
polished  and  scholarly  address  to  the  audience  and  the  President 
and  Faculty,  in  which  his  love  for  his  Alma  Mater  was  manifest, 
he  concluded  as  follows  : 

"  And  for  us  there  is  one  consolatory  thought  that  relieves  in 
some  slight  degree  the  stinging  pain  and  bitterness  of  this 
parting  moment :  It  is  the  hope  that  we  will  leave  behind  us  a 
not  unremembered  name — that  we  will  still  retain,  though  absent, 
a  place  in  the  memory  of  those  whom  we  have  loved  with  a 
brother's  heart  —whom  we  have  clasped  to  our  bosoms  with 
more  than  fraternal  affection.  It  is  the  hope  that  after  we  shall 
be  no  longer  with  you,  when  you  tread  those  walks  which  we 
have  loved,  when  you  behold  those  fair  scenes  which  used  to 
gladden  our  eyes,  some  kind  voice  may  whisper  among  you  : 
"  I  wish  they  were  here."  This  is  our  hope,  this  our  prayer ;  for 
to  be  thus  remembered  is  to  be  blessed  indeed." 

Upon  Mr.  Davis'  return  to  Wilmington,  immediately  after  his 
graduation,  he  began  the  study  of  law,  probably  in  the  office  of 
his  distinguished  brother,  Thomas  Frederick  Davis,  who  prac- 
ticed for  a  time  here,  but  who  was  afterwards  led  to  advocate 
higher  and  more  important  interests  than  those  of  a  worldly 
character,  and  who  became  Bishop  of  South  Carolina  in  1853. 

Before  Mr.  Davis  became  of  age,  in  the  year  1840,  he  was 
licensed  to  practice  in  all  the  courts  of  law,  and  soon  became 
a  leader  in  his  profession.  Endowed  with  extraordinary  talents, 
which  he  assiduously  developed  by  close  study  and  painstaking 
preparation,  he  never  entered  a  cause  without  a  thorough 
knowledge  of  its  bearings.     He  was  well  versed  in  all  depart- 


8 

ments  of  the  law,  thoroughly  equipped  in  general  literature,  and 
was  a  logical  and  forcible  debater.  He  was  held  in  the  highest 
esteem  by  his  fellow-members  of  the  bar,  who  recognized  him 
among  the  ablest  jurists  of  his  time.  His  honesty  of  purpose 
and  fidelity  to  his  profession  distinguished  him  through  life. 

Although  a  leader  in  this  section  of  the  Whig  party,  his 
ambition  never  led  him  to  seek  office,  and  throughout  the  forty 
years  of  his  active  professional  and  official  life  he  won  the  calm 
respect  and  good  opinion  of  all  parties  by  his  extensive  legal 
acquirements,  his  quickness  of  perception,  his  soundness  of 
understanding,  and  by  his  dignified  and  chivalric  politeness. 

On  November  17th,  1842,  he  married  Mary  A.  Polk,  daughter 
of  Thomas  G.  Polk,  and  great  grand  daughter  of  Thomas  Polk, 
one  of  the  signers  of  the  Mecklenburg  Declaration  of  Inde- 
pendence.    Mrs.  Davis  died  27th  September,  1863. 

One  of  the  most  attractive  features  of  his  well-rounded 
character  was  his  cultivated  and  refined  literary  taste.  His  essays 
are  among  the  choicest  expressions  of  his  times,  and  those  upon 
the  history  and  traditions  of  the  Cape  Fear  region  will  be  01 
priceless  value  to  coming  generations.  We  have  already  given 
the  introduction  of  his  celebrated  eulogy  on  the  life  and  public 
service  of  Henry  Clay,  and  we  shall  recall  by  brief  extracts  some 
other  literary  gems  which  we  trust  may  be  gathered  and  publishd 
in  lull  by  his  grateful  and  devoted  people. 

On  the  8th  of  June,  1885,  he  delivered  an  address  before  the 
two  literary  societies  of  Chapel  Hill  on  "The  early  men  and 
times  of  the  Lower  Cape  Fear,"  some  of  which  we  will  quote, 
illustrative  of  his  delightful  style  of  narrative,  and  also  as  giving 
some  indications  of  the  qualities  of  the  ancestry  from  which  he 
sprung. 

A  lineal  descendant  of  the  founders  of  the  Cape  Fear  settle- 
ments, he  had  an  intense  love  for  his  native  section,  and  it  is  an 
irreparable  misfortune  that  he  never  undertook  the  writing  of  the 
history  of  Eastern  Carolina.  That  he  desired  to  do  so  we  are 
assured,  but  the  exigencies  of  life  never  permitted  what  would 
have  been  to  him  truly  a  labor  of  love. 


In  an  address  before  the  Historical  and  Scientific  Society  of 
Wilmington,  on  the  26th  of  November,  1879,  entitled  "A  Study 
in  Colonial  History,"  he  said  : 

"I  have  been  persuaded  that  the  civil  commotion  which  is 
known  in  our  history  as  Carey's  Rebellion  has  never  been  fairly 
treated  ;  that  the  historians,  deriving  all  their  information  from 
the  Government  party,  and  treading  solely  in  each  others  foot- 
steps, have  told  only  the  story  of  that  party,  and  have  greatly 
misrepresented  the  motives,  the  characters  and  the  actions  of  the 
men  who  were  opposed  to  it.  And  I  have  desired,  when  time 
and  opportunity  should  serve  me,  to  undertake  a  careful  exami- 
nation of  the  subject  in  the  hope,  if  possible,  to  undo  some  of 
the  wrong  of  the  historians.  The  present  address  is  intended 
only  as  an  introduction  to  that  more  serious  work,  and  its  object 
is  to  start  a  new  train  of  thought  and  prepare  the  way  for  it. 

"  The  historian  of  the  United  States  has  complained  of  the 
carelessness  with  which  the  history  of  North  Carolina  has  been 
written.  The  reproach  is  but  too  just.  As  Colony  and  State 
not  yet  two  centuries  old,  the  story  of  her  infancy  and  early 
progress  is  a  sealed  book  to  the  many,  and  to  the  curious  few  is 
more  imperfectly  known  than  that  of  nations  which  flourished 
and  decayed  thousands  of  years  ago.  And  if  this  is  true  of  the 
State  at  large,  it  is  eminently  so  of  that  section  of  it  in  which  I 
live.  The  Cape  Fear  country  has  never  had  a  historian.  Its 
public  records  were  always  meagre  and  barren.  Its  private 
records,  once  rich  and  fruitful  sources  of  history,  have  become 
much  mutilated  and  impaired  in  the  lapse  of  time  by  accident, 
and  by  the  division  and  emigration  of  families.  Its  traditions 
are  perishing,  and  are  buried  daily  with  our  dead,  as  the  old  are 
passing  away.  And  the  little  which  has  been  preserved  by  the 
pen  of  the  historian  is  scattered  through  volumes,  most  of  which 
are  rare,  and  some  of  them  entirely  out  of  print.  I  have  thought, 
therefore,  that,  instead  of  sermonizing  upon  themes  which  were 
long  ago  threadbare,  I  could  not  better  employ  my  allotted  hour 
than  in  giving  you  a  sketch,  imperfect  as  it  may  be,  of  the  early 
Times  and  Men  of  the  Lower  Cape  Fear.     I  shall  not  aspire  to 


IO 

the  dignity  of  history.  My  time  and  opportunities  for  research 
have  been  too  limited,  and  the  subject  is  too  full  for  the  compass 
of  an  ordinary  address.  I  assume  the  humbler,  but  still  pious, 
duty  of  connecting  recorded  facts,  of  perpetuating  traditions  and 
of  plucking  away  the  mosses  which  have  gathered  on  the  tombs 
of  some  of  our  illustrious  dead.  In  so  doing  I  may  be  accused 
of  sectional  pride.  But  I  can  afford  to  brave  such  a  charge,  for 
I  feel  that  the  motive  is  higher  and  purer ;  that  it  springs  from  a 
loyal  devotion  to  the  honor  of  my  whole  State,  and  a  sincere 
admiration  for  the  character  of  her  whole  people,  and  especially 
of  her  good  and  great  that  are  now  no  more.  My  single  desire 
is  to  awaken  a  new  interest  in  her  history  by  assuring  you  that 
you  will  find  there  her  amplest  vindication  from  the  taunts  and 
aspersions  which  are  so  freely  flung  against  her.  And  I  would 
fain  hope  that  I  need  offer  no  apology  for  my  subject,  since  I 
come  to  speak  to  North  Carolinians  of  things  that  touch  nearly 
the  fame  of  the  good  old  State,  and  the  memory  of  her  noble 
dead." 

In  an  address  before  the  Literary  Societies  of  Chapel  Hill,  on 
the  early  Times  ami  Men  of  the  Lower  Cape  Fear,  he  said  : 

"  I  begin,  now,  my  sketch  with  some  passages  from  English 
history,  extracting  first  from  Hume's  account  of  the  Irish 
Rebellion  of  1641:  'There  was  a  gentleman  called  Roger 
More,  who,  though  of  narrow  fortune,  was  descended  from  an 
ancient  Irish  family,  and  was  much  celebrated  among  his  coun- 
trymen for  valor  and  capacity.  This  man  first  formed  the  project 
of  expelling  the  English,  and  asserting  the  independency  of  his 
native  country.  He  secretly  went  from  chieftain  to  chieftain  and 
roused  up  every  latent  principle  of  discontent.  He  maintained 
a  close  correspondence  with  Lord  Maguire  and  Sir  Phelim 
O'Neale,  the  most  powerful  of  the  old  Irish.  By  conversation, 
by  letters,  by  his  emissaries,  he  represented  to  his  countrymen 
the  motives  of  a  revolt,'  etc.  "  By  these  considerations  More 
engaged  all  the  heads  of  the  native  Irish  in  the  conspiracy. 

"  It  is  not  my  purpose  to  pursue  the  history  of  this  rebellion. 
It  was  disastrous   to   the   Irish,   and   deservedly   so,    for   they 


II 

disgraced  themselves  by  barbarities  which  shock  humanity. 
With  these,  however,  it  is  certain  that  More  and  Maguire  had 
nothing  to  do.  For  Maguire  was  taken  in  the  outset  of  the 
revolt  at  the  unsuccessful  attack  upon  the  Castle  at  Dublin,  and 
was  condemned  and  executed.  And  of  More,  Hume  himself 
says  :  '  The  generous  nature  of  More  was  shocked  at  the  recital 
of  such  enormous  cruelties.  He  flew  to  O'Neale's  camp,  but 
found  that  his  authority,  which  was  sufficient  to  excite  the  Irish 
to  insurrection,  was  too  feeble  to  restrain  their  inhumanity. 
Soon  after  he  abandoned  a  cause  polluted  by  so  many  crimes, 
and  he  retired  into  Flanders.' 

"  He  must  have  been  a  man  of  no  ordinary  character,  and  justly 
entitled  to  the  admiration  of  all  lovers  of  freedom,  who,  though 
driven  into  exile  and  branded  as  a  rebel  and  a  traitor,  could  yet 
draw  forth  language  like  the  foregoing  from  the  apologist  and 
defender  of  the  Stuarts  !  Fortunately,  the  world  will  not  now 
take  its  definition  of  treason  from  those  who  bow  to  the  Divine 
right  of  kings. 

"  Two  years  later  another  event  occurred,  of  minor  importance, 
in  English  history,  but  worthy  of  notice  here.  In  1643  the  city 
of  Bristol  was  captured  by  the  forces  of  the  Parliament.  At  that 
time  Robert  Yeoman  or  Yeamans  was  sheriff,  or,  a?  some  say, 
an  alderman  of  the  city,  and  active  and  zealous  in  the  service  of 
the  King,  and  after  its  surrender  he  was  condemned  and  exe- 
cuted for  his  loyalty." 

It  will  appear  hereafter  how  these  two  events  (the  rebellion 
and  exile  of  More  and  the  execution  of  Yeamans,  so  entirely 
disconnected  in  history)  have  a  very  important  bearing  upon  the 
subject  of  this  sketch 

"  Soon  after  the  proposals  of  the  Proprietors  were  first 
published  some  gentlemen  of  Barbadoes,  dissatisfied  with  their 
condition,  and  tempted  by  the  liberal  offers  which  those  propo- 
sals held  out,  in  September,  1663,  dispatched  a  vessel  under 
command  of  Captain  Hilton  to  reconnoitre  the  country  along 
the  Cape  Fear  river.  They  explored  both  branches  of  the  river 
for  many  miles,  and  it  is  remarkable  that  two   noted   places, 


12 

named  by  them  Stag  Park  and  Rocky  Point,  are  so  called  and 
known  at  this  day.  Returning  to  Barbadoes  in  February,  1664, 
they  published  an  agreeable  account  of  their  voyage  and  of  the 
country  which  they  had  been  sent  to  examine.  Among  the 
planters  who  had  fitted  out  this  expedition  was  John  Yeamans, 
eldest  son  of  Robert  Yeamans,  the  sheriff  of  Bristol,  who  had 
been  hanged  at  the  taking  of  that  city  in  1643  He  had  emi- 
grated to  Barbadoes  with  the  view  of  mending  his  fortunes,  and 
being  pleased  with  the  report  of  the  expedition,  he  determined 
to  remove  to  Carolina.  He  went  to  England  to  negotiate  with 
the  Proprietors,  and  received  from  them  a  grant  of  large  tracts 
of  land,  and  at  the  same  time  he  was  knighted  by  the  King  in 
reward  for  the  loyalty  and  misfortunes  of  his  family.  Returning 
from  England,  in  the  autumn  of  1665,  he  led  a  band  of  colonists 
from  Barbadoes  to  the  Cape  Fear,  and,  induced  by  the  traces  of 
civilization  which  were  left  by  the  New  England  colony,  he 
pitched  upon  the  spot  they  had  inhabited,  and  purchasing  from 
the  Indians  a  tract  of  land  thirty-two  miles  square,  he  laid  the 
foundations  of  a  town  which  he  called  Charlestown,  in  honor  of 
the  reigning  monarch.  Martin  and  Bancroft  declare  that  the 
site  of  the  town  is  still  a  matter  of  uncertainty;  but  the  doubt  is 
only  with  the  historians.  Tradition  has  fixed  the  spot  beyond 
dispute.  It  is  on  the  north  side  of  Old  Town  Creek,  at  its 
junction  with  the  river,  nine  miles  below  Wilmington. 

"  In  the  last  decade  of  the  seventeenth  century  a  name 
appeared  in  the  history  of  South  Carolina,  destined  soon  to  be 
distinguished  there,  and  near  a  century  later  to  become  still  more 
illustrious  in  the  annals  of  the  Cape  Fear.  The  head  of  this 
family  was  James  More,  the  descendant,  and  it  is  believed  the 
grandson,  of  Roger  More,  who  led  the  Irish  Rebellion  in  1641. 
In  the  wreck  of  his  family  and  fortunes  he,  too,  like  so  many 
others,  had  looked  towards  the  setting  sun,  and  fixed  his  eyes 
upon  the  '  summer  land '  of  Carolina.  He  had  inherited  all  the 
rebellious  blood  of  his  grandsire — his  love  of  freedom,  his 
generous  ambition,  and  his  bold  and  turbulent  spirit.  He  soon 
acquired  great  influence  in  the  Province,  and  upon  the  death  of 


13 

Governor   Blake,   in    1700,    he   was   elected    Governor   by   the 
deputies  of  the  Proprietors. 

"  This  Governor,  James  Moore,  married  the  daughter  of  Sir 
John  Yeamans ;  and  thus,  by  a  singular  fortune,  these  families, 
which  had  suffered  from  such  opposite  causes  in  the  old  world, 
became  united  in  the  new ;  and  the  blood  of  Robert  Yeamans 
and  of  Roger  More  mingled  in  North  Carolina  to  breed  some  of 
the  noblest  champions  of  her  freedom,  and  the  pioneers  of 
permanent  civilization  upon  the  Cape  Fear." 

From  this  union  of  the  Yeamans  and  the  Mores,  offspring  on 
the  one  side  of  the  martyred  adherent  of  the  rights  of  kings, 
and  on  the  other  of  the  ardent  rebel  exiled  from  a  country  he 
could  not  free,  Mr.  Davis  was  a  lineal  descendant,  and  we  may 
well  believe  that  in  him  were  united  all  the  worthiest  attributes 
of  each  line  of  his  sturdy  ancestry —love  of  liberty  tempered  by 
respect  for  law  and  prestige,  sound  conservatism  subservient  to 
a  lofty  patriotism,  and  all  directed  and  inspired  by  the  rare  genius 
of  his  own  God-given  soul. 

Another  address  which  has  been  widely  quoted  was  prepared 
for  a  charitable  object  and  delivered  before  a  large  audience  in 
Thalian  Hall.  It  was  printed  afterwards  in  the  South  Atlantic 
Magazine  of  this  place,  January,  1879,  and  is  entitled  "An 
Episode  in  Cape  Fear  History." 

In  it  occurs  this  notable  passage,  which  we  may  call  the 
apotheosis  of  the  slaveholder  : 

"  Yeamans  returned  to  Barbadoes,  and  in  the  autumn  of  that 
year,  as  we  have  seen,  led  his  colony  to  the  Cape  Fear.  He 
governed  there  for  five  years  with  gentleness,  humanity  and 
prudence,  and  then  returned  to  Barbadoes.  In  167 1  he  was 
appointed  a  Landgrave  of  Carolina,  with  a  grant  of  12,000  acres 
of  land,  to  be  located  at  his  pleasure.  And  in  the  same  year  he 
went  to  settle  a  plantation  on  the  Ashley  river,  in  South  Carolina, 
where  a  colony  under  Governor  Sayle  had  landed  the  year 
before.  This  seems  to  be  a  simple  announcement  of  a  very  com- 
monplace fact ;  but  it  was  the  little  cloud  no  bigger  than  a  man's 
hand.     It  was  the  most  portentous  event  of  all  our  early  history. 


For  he  carried  with  him  from  Barbadoes  his  negro  slaves ;  and 
that  was  the  first  introduction  of  African  slavery  in  Carolina. 
(Bancroft,  2,170;  Rivers,  169) 

"  If  as  he  sat  by  the  camp  fire  in  that  lonely  Southern  wilder- 
ness, he  could  have  gazed  with  prophetic  vision  down  the  vista 
of  two  hundred  years,  and  seen  the  stormy  and  tragic  end  of 
that  of  which  he  was  then  so  quietly  organizing  the  beginning, 
must  he  not  have  exclaimed  with  Ophelia,  as  she  beheld  the 
wreck  of  her  heart's  young  love  — 

"  '  O,  woe  is  me  !  To  have  seen  what  I  have  seen,  see  what 
I  see  ! ' 

"  Slavery  is  in  the  grave,  and  nothing  can  disturb  its  eternal 
rest.  I  would  not,  if  I  could,  raise  it  from  the  dead.  The  slave 
is  free.  God  speed  him  in  his  freedom,  and  make  him  worthy 
of  it.  The  slaveholder  has  passed  into  history  at  the  cannon's 
mouth.  His  future  life  must  be  there,  and  there  he  will  live 
forever.  He  did  the  State  some  service.  Was  great  in  council 
and  in  action,  clear  in  honor  and  in  truth,  and  always  a  man 
wherever  true  manhood  was  wanted.  He  knew  how  to  compel 
the  love  of  friends  and  the  respect  of  enemies,  and  how  to  build 
his  proudest  monument  in  his  country's  greatness.  But  there 
are  those  who  never  loved  him,  and  whose  fashion  still  it  is  to 
make  him  the  embodiment  of  evil,  the  moral  scarecrow  of  the 
times  True,  he  ended  well.  True,  that  as  he  stood  and  died 
by  his  hearthstone,  fighting,  as  he  believed,  for  God  and  country, 
he  was  something  for  men  and  gods  to  behold.  But  what  is  that 
to  them?  They  desire  to  see  nothing  but  his  humiliation,  and 
to  their  distorted  vision  Belisarius,  blind  and  begging  at  the 
Roman  gates,  was  not  half  so  poor  a  sight.  They  cannot  forgive 
him  for  having  been  great,  and  they  delight  to  howl  the  death- 
song  of  his  greatness.  They  trample  on  its  grave.  They  cover 
it  with  curses,  and  Pelion  upon  Ossa  they  pile  their  offal  upon  it. 
And  they  think  that  they  have  buried  it  out  of  their  sight 
forever.  And  do  they  think  that  the  spirit  which  brought  this 
Republic  out  of  chaos,  and  directed  it  for  the  fifty  years  of  its 
truest  greatness  and  purity,  can  be  annihilated  by  a  proclama- 


15 

tion  ?  And  do  they  believe  that  Washington  and  Jefferson,  and 
Jackson  and  Clay,  and  Stonevvali  and  Lee,  and  all  the  long  roll 
of  our  heroes  and  patriots  and  statesmen,  are  but  dead  names, 
pale  ghosts  that  can  but  squeak  and  gibber  at  their  fallen  great- 
ness ?  That  they  have  left  no  living  memories  in  their  children's 
hearts,  no  sacred  seed  that  can  once  more  bourgeon  and  bloom 
for  our  country's  honor  ?  Oh,  no  !  That  spirit  is  not  dead.  It 
will  rise  again.  Not  in  the  old  likeness,  for  old  things  have 
passed  away.  But  transformed  and  quickened  into  a  new  life. 
Once  more  it  will  make  itself  a  name  for  the  nation  to  sound. 
Once  again  it  will  step  to  the  front  and  pass  first  in  fight  as  it 
was  wont  to  do  whenever  great  opinions  are  clashing,  or  a 
great  cause  imperilled.  Once  again  to  the  front,  whenever  and 
wherever  freedom's  battle  is  to  be  fought.  Once  again  to  the 
front,  no  more  to  contend  with  brethren  in  arms,  but  only  in  the 
generous  strife  for  the  glory  and  honor  of  a  common  country." 

And  again,  this  description  of  Cape  Fear : 

"  Looking,  then,  to  the  Cape  for  the  idea  and  reason  of  its 
name,  we  find  that  it  is  the  southermost  point  of  Smith's  Island, 
a  naked,  bleak  elbow  of  .sand,  jutting  far  out  into  the  ocean. 
Immediately  in  its  front  are  the  Frying  Pan  Shoals,  pushing  out 
still  further  twenty  miles  to  sea.  Together  they  stand  for 
warning  and  for  woe,  and  together  they  catch  the  long,  majestic 
roll  of  the  Atlantic  as  it  sweeps  through  a  thousand  miles  of 
grandeur  and  power  from  the  Arctic  towards  the  Gulf.  It  is 
the  play-ground  of  billows  and  tempests,  the  kingdom  of  silence 
and  awe,  disturbed  by  no  sound  save  the  sea-gull's  shriek  and 
the  breaker's  roar.  Its  whole  aspect  is  suggestive,  not  of  repose 
and  beauty,  but  of  desolation  and  terror.  Imagination  cannot 
adorn  it.  Romance  cannot  hallow  it.  Local  pride  cannot 
soften  it.  There  it  stands  to-day,  bleak,  and  threatening,  and 
pitiless,  as  it  stood  three  hundred  years  ago,  when  Greenville 
and  White  came  nigh  unto  death  upon  its  sands.  And  there  it 
will  stand,  bleak,  and  threatening,  and  pitiless,  until  the  earth  and 
the  sea  shall  give  up  their  dead.  And  as  its  nature,  so  its  name 
is  now,  always  has  been,  and  always  will  be,  the  Cape  of  Fear." 


i6 

In  May,  1856,  Mr.  Davis  was  invited  by  the  Board  of  Trus- 
tees of  Greensborough  Female  College  to  address  the  Literary 
Societies  of  that  celebrated  Institution,  and  his  speech  on  this 
occasion,  the  publication  of  which  was  not  anticipated  by  its 
author,  has  been  regarded  by  many  as  one  of  the  best  efforts  of 
his  life. 

In  that  address  occurs  the  following  passage  : 

"  A  rich  and  well  stored  mind  is  the  only  true  philosopher's 
stone,  extracting  pure  gold  from  all  the  base  material  around. 
It  can  create  its  own  beauty,  wealth,  power,  happiness.  It  has 
no  dreary  solitudes.  The  past  ages  are  its  possession,  and  the 
long  line  of  the  illustrious  dead  are  all  its  friends.  Whatever 
the  world  has  seen  of  brave  and  noble,  beautiful  and  good,  it  can 
command.  It  mingles  in  all  the  grand  and  solemn  scenes  of 
history,  and  is  an  actor  in  every  great  and  stirring  event.  It  is 
by  the  side  of  Bayard  as  he  stands  alone  upon  the  bridge  and 
saves  the  army ;  it  weeps  over  the  true  heart  of  chivalry,  the 
gallant  Sidney,  as  with  dying  hand  he  puts  away  the  cup  from 
his  parched  and  fevered  lips.  It  leaps  into  the  yawning  gulf 
with  Curtius  ;  follows  the  white  plume  of  Navarre  at  Ivry  ;  rides 
to  Chalgrove  field  with  Hampden  ;  mounts  the  scaffold  with 
Russell,  and  catches  the  dying  prayer  of  the  noble  Sir  Harry 
Vane.  It  fights  for  glory  at  the  Granicus,  for  fame  at  Agincourt, 
for  empire  at  Waterloo,  for  power  on  the  Ganges,  for  religion  in 
Palestine,  for  country  at  Thermopylae,  and  for  freedom  at 
Bunker  Hill.  It  marches  with  Alexander,  reigns  with  Augustus, 
sings  with  Homer,  teaches  with  Plato,  pleads  with  Demosthenes, 
loves  with  Petrarch,  is  imprisoned  with  Paul,  suffers  with 
Stephen,  and  dies  with  Christ.  It  feels  no  tyranny  and  knows 
no  subjection.  Misfortunes  cannot  subdue  it,  power  cannot 
crush  it,  unjust  laws  cannot  oppress  it.  Evet  steady,  faithful 
and  true,  shining  by  night  as  by  day,  it  abides  with  you  always 
and  everywhere." 

In  1 86 1  the  shadow  of  a  great  national  calamity  appeared — 
the  whole  country  was  convulsed  with  conflicting  emotions. 
The  political  leaders  of  North  Carolina  were  divided  upon  the 


i7 

issue.  Mr.  Davis  loved  the  Union,  and  steadfastly  counseled 
moderation.  His  appointment  by  Governor  Ellis  as  a  member 
of  the  Peace  Commission,  to  which  further  reference  is  made, 
created  a  feeling  of  absolute  confidence  in  the  minds  of  the 
conservative  citizens. 

The  desire  of  the  people  of  North  Carolina  was  to  see  peace 
maintained  whether  the  Union  was  preserved  or  not,  and  for  this 
purpose  the  Legislature  on  January  26,  1861,  appointed  Commis- 
sioners to  conventions  to  be  held  at  Montgomery,  Richmond  and 
Washington  City.  These  Commissioners  were  Hon.  Judge 
Ruffin,  Hon.  D.  M.  Barringer,  Hon.  David  S.  Reid,  Hon.  John  M. 
Morehead,  Hon.  D.  L.  Swain,  J.  R.  Bridgers,  M.  W.  Ransom 
and  George  Davis,  Esqrs.  Mr.  Davis  went  to  Washington  City 
as  a  member  of  the  Peace  Congress  which  assembled  on 
February  4,  1861.  The  moral  weight  of  the  position,  and  the 
character  of  the  gentlemen  then  and  there  assembled,  gave  to  the 
significance  of  the  occasion  portentous  aspects.  The  Congress 
sat  with  closed  doors,  ex-President  Tyler  was  elected  President, 
and  on  taking  the  chair  made  one  of  the  most  eloquent  and 
patriotic  speeches  ever  heard.  This  Conference  was  in  session 
until  February  27th,  1S61,  when  Mr.  Davis  telegraphed:  "The 
Convention  has  just  adjourned  sine  die,  after  passing  seven 
articles  of  the  Report  of  the  Committee,  much  weakened.  The 
territorial  articles  passed  by  a  majority  of  one  vote.  North 
Carolina  and  Virginia  voted  against  every  article  but  one." 

It  is  difficult  for  those  of  us  who  remember  only  the  intense 
unanimity  of  the  Southern  people  after  the  war  was  fairly 
inaugurated,  to  realize  how  in  those  previous  troublous  days  the 
minds  of  men  were  perplexed  by  doubts.  Up  to  this  time  the 
Union  sentiment  in  North  Carolina  had  been  in  the  ascendant. 
The  people  waited  upon  the  result  of  this  Congress,  and  in  this 
section  especially  was  the  decision  of  many  reserved  until  Mr. 
Davis  should  declare  his  final  convictions.  His  announcement 
of  them  marked  an  epoch  in  his  life,  and  in  that  of  countless 
others,  for  weal  or  woe. 

Immediately  upon  his  return  home,  the  following  correspond- 
ence took  place : 


Wilmington,  2d  March,  1861. 

Dear  Sir : — Your  friends  and  fellow  citizens  are  exceedingly 
anxious  to  hear  from  you  with  reference  to  the  proceedings  of 
the  "  Peace  Congress,"  and  to  have  your  opinion  as  to  their 
probable  effect  in  settling  the  distracting  questions  of  the  day. 

Will  you  be  kind  enough  to  give  them  a  public  address  at 
such  time  as  may  suit  your  convenience  ? 

Respectfully  yours, 

James  H.  Dickson, 
Robert  H.  Cowan, 
D.  A.  Lamont, 
Thomas  Miller, 
Donald  MacRae, 
Robert  G.   Rankin, 
James  H.  Chadbourn, 
A.  H.  VanBokkelen, 
O.  G.  Parsley. 
To  George  Davis.  Esq. 


Wilmington,  2d  March,  1861. 

Gentlemen : — Being  under  the  necessity  of  leaving  home 
to-morrow,  I  will  comply  with  the  request  of  my  fellow-citizens, 
as  intimated  in  your  note,  by  addressing  them  at  such  hour  and 
place  this  evening  as  you  may  appoint. 

Respectfully  yours, 

Geo.  Davis. 
To  Dr.  Jas.  H.  Dickson,  and  others. 


The  newspaper  reports  of  the  public  meeting,  and  of  Mr. 
Davis'  powerful  speech  which  followed,  do  not  convey  to  our 
minds  the  overwhelming  sensations  of  those  who  listened  to  this 
masterpiece  of  oratory.  Mr.  Davis  was  obliged  to  close  before 
he    had    finished   his   address.      The    people   were   profoundly 


19 

moved,  the  hearts  of  all  were  deeply  stirred.     Many  left  the  hall 
while  he  was  speaking,  for  they  could  not  restrain  their  emotion. 

The  Daily  Journal  of  March  4,  1861,  says:  "In  accord- 
ance with  the  general  desire,  George  Davis,  Esq.,  addressed  his 
fellow  citizens  on  last  Saturday,  March  2d,  at  the  Thalian  Hall 
in  reference  to  the  proceedings  of  the  late  Peace  Congress,  of 
which  he  was  a  member,  giving  his  opinion  as  to  the  probable 
effect  of  such  proceedings  in  settling  the  distracting  questions  of 
the  day.  Although  the  notice  was  very  brief,  having  only 
appeared  at  mid-day  in  the  town  papers,  the  Hall  was  densely 
crowded  by  an  eager  and  attentive  audience,  among  whom  were 
many  ladies."  The  report  of  the  speech  is  very  full,  and  deals 
with  all  the  vital  questions  which  were  discussed  at  the  Peace 
Congress.  Mr.  Davis  said  that  "  he  shrunk  from  no  criticism 
upon  his  course,  but,  indeed,  invited  and  sought  for  it  the  most 
rigid  examination.  He  had  endeavored  to  discharge  the  duties 
of  the  trust  reposed  in  him  faithfully,  manfully  and  conscien- 
tiously, and  whatever  might  be  thought  of  his  policy,  he  felt 
that  he  had  a  right  to  demand  the  highest  respect  for  the  motives 
which  actuated  him  in  pursuing  that  policy/'  Referring  to  his 
own  previous  position,  what  he  believed  to  be  the  position  of  the 
State,  the  course  of  the  Legislature  in  appointing  Commissioners, 
and  the  objections  to  the  action  of  the  "  Peace  Congress,"  Mr. 
Davis  said  he  had  gone  to  the  "  Peace  Congress  "  to  exhaust 
every  honorable  means  to  obtain  a  fair,  an  honorable  and  a  final 
settlement  of  existing  difficulties.  He  had  done  so  to  the  best 
of  his  abilities,  and  had  been  unsuccessful,  for  he  could  never 
accept  the  plan  adopted  by  the  "  Peace  Congress  "  as  consistent 
with  the  right,  the  interests  or  the  dignity  of  North  Carolina. 

Mr.  Davis  concluded  by  "emphatically  declaring  that  the 
South  could  never — never  obtain  any  better  or  more  satisfactory 
terms  while  she  remained  in  the  Union,  and  for  his  part  he  could 
never  assent  to  the  terms  contained  in  this  report  of  the  "  Peace 
Congress  "  as  in  accordance  with  the  honor  or  the  interests  of 
the  South." 

When  Mr.  Davis  had  concluded  Hon.  S.   J.  Person  moved 


20 

that  the  thanks  of  the  meeting  be  tendered  to  Mr.  Davis  for  the 
able,  manly  and  patriotic  manner  in  which  he  had  discharged  the 
duties  of  his  position  as  a  Commissioner  from  North  Carolina. 
The  motion  was  enthusiastically  carried. 

On  June  18,  1861,  Mr.  Davis  and  Mr.  W.  W.  Avery  were 
elected  Senators  for  the  State  of  North  Corolina  to  the  Confed- 
erate Congress.  In  alluding  to  his  election  the  Journal,  the 
organ  in  this  section  of  the  Democratic  party,  says : 

"  Mr.  Davis  in  old  party  times  was  an  ardent  and  consistent 
member  of  the  opposition,  and  was  opposed  to  a  severance  from 
the  North,  until  he  felt  satisfied  by  the  result  of  the  Peace 
Conference  that  all  peaceful  means  had  been  exhausted." 

In  1S62  he,  with  W.  T.  Dortch,  was  again  elected  Senator  by 
the  Legislature. 

In  January,  1864,  he  was  appointed  by  President  Davis 
Attorney  General  in  his  Cabinet  The  commission  bears  date 
4th  January,  1864. 

The  high  esteem  in  which  Mr.  George  Davis  was  held  by  his 
devoted  chief  is  attested  in  the  following  letters  addressed  by 
the  Conlederate  President  to  his  faithful  Attorney  General  after 
the  evacuation  of  Richmond  : 

Charlotte,  N.  C,   25th  April,  1865. 

Hon.  Geo.  Davis,  C.  S.  Attorney  General : 

My  Dear  Sir : — I  have  no  hesitation  in  expressing  to  you  my 
opinion  that  there  is  no  obligation  of  honor  which  requires  you, 
under  existing  circumstances,  to  retain  your  present  office.  It 
is  gratifying  to  me  to  be  assured  that  you  are  willing,  at  any 
personal  sacrifice,  to  share  my  fortunes  when  they  are  least 
promising,  and  that  you  only  desire  to  know  whether  you  can 
aid  me  in  this  perilous  hour  to  overcome  surrounding  difficulties 
It  is  due  to  such  generous  friendship  that  I  should  candidly  say 
to  you  that  it  is  not  probable  that  for  some  time  to  come  your 
services  will  be  needful. 

It  is  with  sincere  regret  that  I  look  forward  to  being  separated 
from  you.     Your  advice  has  been  to  me  both  useful  and  cheer- 


td  2* 

ing.  The  Christian  spirit  which  has  ever  pervaded  your  sugges- 
tions, not  less  than  the  patriotism  which  has  marked  your 
conduct,  will  be  remembered  by  me  when  in  future  trials  I  may 
have  need  for  both. 

Should  you  decide  (my  condition  having  become  rather  that 
of  a  soldier  than  a  civil  magistrate)  to  retire  from  my  Cabinet, 
my  sincere  wishes  for  your  welfare  and  happiness  will  follow 
you ;  and  I  trust  a  merciful  Providence  may  have  better  days  in 
store  for  the  Confederacy,  and  that  we  may  hereafter  meet,  when, 
our  country's  independence  being  secured,  it  will  be  sweet  to 
remember  how  we  have  suffered  together  in  the  time  of  her 
sorest  trial. 

Very  respectfully  and  trulj',  your  friend, 

Jefferson  Davis. 


Charlotte,  N.  C,  April  26,  1865. 
Hon.  Georce  Davis,  Attorney  General  : 

Mij  Dear  Sir  : — Your  letter  dated  yesterday,  tendering  your 
resignation  has  been  received.  While  I  regret  the  causes  which 
compel  you  to  this  course,  I  am  well  assured  that  your  conduct 
now,  as  heretofore,  is  governed  by  the  highest  and  most  honor- 
able motives.  In  accepting  your  resignation,  as  I  feel  constrained 
to  do,  allow  me  to  thank  you  for  the  important  assistance  you 
have  rendered  in  the  administration  of  the  Government,  and  for 
the  patriotic  zeal  and  acknowledged  ability  with  which  you  have 
discharged  your  trust. 

Accept  my  thanks,  also,  for  your  expressions  of  personal 
regard  and  esteem,  and  the  assurance  that  those  feelings  are 
warmly  reciprocated  by  me. 

With  the  hope  that  the  blessings  of  Heaven  may  attend  you 
and  yours, 

I  am,  most  cordially,  your  friend, 

Jefferson  Davis. 

—  + 

This  affectionate  regard  for  the  beloved  leader  of  the  Cape  ! 
Fear  has  been  the  subject  of  repeated  conversations  in  late  years 


22 

between  a  member  of  your  committee  and  the  distinguished  lady 
who  still  bears  the  honored  name  of  Jefferson  Davis,  and  who  was 
ever  faithful  and  true  to  him  and  to  the  people  whom  he  loved. 

Upon  the  receipt  of  the  sad  intelligence  of  his  death,  she 
writes  from  a  sick  bed  the  following  tender  and  sympathetic 
lines  : 

"  I  am  able  to  sit  up  a  little,  and  regret  that  I  am  not  strong 
enough  to  say  as  much  about  dear  Mr.  George  Davis  as  my 
heart  dictates. 

"  He  was  one  of  the  most  exquisitely  proportioned  of  men. 
His  mind  dominated  his  body,  but  his  heart  drew  him  near  to 
all  that  was  honorable  and  tender,  as  well  as  patriotic  and  faithful, 
in  mankind.  He  was  never  dismayed  by  defeat,  but  never 
protested.  When  the  enemy  was  at  the  gates  of  Richmond  he 
was  fully  sensible  of  our  peril,  but  calm  in  the  hope  of  repelling 
them,  and  if  this  failed,  certain  of  his  power  and  will  to  endure 
whatever  ills  had  been  reserved  for  him. 

"  His  literary  tastes  were  diverse  and  catholic,  and  his  anxious 
mind  found  relaxation  in  studying  the  literary  confidences  of 
others  in  a  greater  degree  than  I  have  ever  known  any  other 
public  man  except  Mr.  Benjamin.  Upon  being  asked  one  day 
how  he  was,  he  answered :  '  I  am  very  much  comforted  and 
rested  by  Professor  Holcombe's  Literature  in  Letters,'  which  was 
one  of  the  few  new  books  which  came  out  during  the  Confed- 
eracy. One  of  the  few  hard  things  I  ever  heard  him  say  was 
when  some  one  asked  him  if  he  had  read  Swinburne's  Laus 
Veneris,  and  added,  '  You  know  it  is  printed  on  wrapping 
paper  and  bound  in  wall  paper.'  Mr.  Davis  answered  :  '  I 
have  never  thought  wall  paper  wholesome,  and  am  sorry  to 
know  there  was  enough  wrapping  paper  on  which  to  print  it.' 

"  He  was  fond  of  tracing  the  construction  of  languages,  and  the 
varients  from  one  root  were  a  favorite  subject  of  conversation 
with  him. 

"  When  he  fell  in  love  and  married  a  charming  woman,  the 
whole  of  Richmond  rejoiced  with  him,  and  expressed  no  doubts 
of  the   happiness   of   either.     Mr.    Davis'   public   life   was   as 


23 

irreproachable  as  his  private  course.  Once  when  my  husband 
came  home  wearied  with  the  divergence  of  opinions  in  his 
Cabinet,  he  said  :  '  Davis  does  not  always  agree  with  me,  but  I 
generally  find  he  was  right  at  last.' 

"  I  cannot,  of  course,  tell  you  about  his  political  opinions, 
except  that  he  was  one  of  the  strictest  construers  of  the  Consti- 
tution, and  firmly  believed  in  its  final  triumph  over  all  obstacles 
to  freedom. 

"  My  husband  felt  for  him  the  most  sincere  friendship,  as  well 
as  confidence  and  esteem,  and  I  think  there  was  never  the 
slightest  shadow  intervened  between  them. 

"  I  mourn  with  you  over  our  loss,  which  none  who  knew  him 
can  doubt  was  his  gain." 

Following  his  arrest  at  the  close  of  the  war,  the  late  Attorney 
General  was  imprisoned  for  some  months  in  Fort  Hamilton, 
sharing  to  that  extent  the  vicarious  sufferings  of  his  chief,  and 
was  finally  released  upon  parole  not  to  leave  the  State  of  North 
Carolina. 

During  this  period  Mr.  Davis'  second  marriage  was  celebrated 
in  Weldon,  on  the  9th  of  May,  i860,  to  Monimia  Fairfax, 
daughter  of  Dr.  Orlando  Fairfax,  of  Richmond,  Va.  (Mrs. 
Davis  died  27th  July,  1889.) 

At  this  time  earnest  solicitations  were  made,  and  flattering 
inducements  offered  to  Mr.  Davis  to  remove  to  a  Northern  State, 
and  practice  his  profession  in  a  more  extended  field.  Doubtless 
such  a  step  would  have  inured  greatly  to  his  worldly  advantage, 
but  he  resisted  all  the  allurements,  and  declared  his  intention  to 
live  among  his  own  people,  and  share  the  fate  of  those  whom 
he  loved  and  who  had  shown  him  indubitable  proof  of  their 
affection  for  him. 

On  the  evening  of  the  3d  of  November,  1876,  during  the 
Tilden-Vance  campaign,  Mr.  Davis  delivered  in  the  opera  house, 
which  was  filled  to  its  capacity,  a  speech  of  great  eloquence  and 
power,  upon  the  political  issues  of  the  day,  which  was  reported 
for  the  Morning  Star  newspaper,  in  its  issue  of  the  4th  of 
November,  and  editorially  referred  to  as  follows : 


24 

"  The  speech  to  which  we  listened  is  a  very  memorable  one. 
It  will  long  abide  with  us  as  one  of  those  felicitous,  rounded, 
finished  efforts  of  a  highly  endowed  and  noble  intellect  that  will 
be  'a  memory  and  a  joy  forever.'  We  have  pigeon-holed  that 
great  speech  in  the  escritoire  of  our  own  mind,  where  we  have 
stored  but  few  of  the  productions  of  the  men  of  our  generation. 

"  As  a  composition  the  effort  of  Mr.  Davis  was  very  admirable. 
There  was  humor,  there  was  sarcasm,  there  was  an  exquisite 
irony,  there  were  flashes  of  wit,  there  was  an  outburst  of  corro- 
sive scorn  and  indignation  that  were  wonderfully  artistic  and 
effective.  At  times  a  felicity  of  illustration  would  arrest  your 
attention,  and  a  grand  outburst  of  high  and  ennobling  eloquence 
would  thrill  you  with  the  most  pleasurable  emotion.  The  taste 
was  exceedingly  fine,  and  from  beginning  to  end  the  workings 
of  a  highly  cultured,  refined,  graceful  and  elegant  mind  was 
manifest. 

"  There  were  passages  delivered  with  high  dramatic  art  that 
would  have  electrified  any  audience  on  earth.  If  that  speech 
had  been  delivered  before  an  Athenian  audience  in  the  days  of 
Pericles,  or  in  Rome  when  Cicero  thundered  forth  his  burning 
and  sonorous  eloquence,  or  in  Westminster  Hall,  with  Burke, 
and  Fox  and  Sheridan  among  his  auditors,  he  would  have 
received  their  loudest  acclaims,  and  his  fame  would  have  gone 
down  the  ages  as  one  of  those  rarely  gifted  men  who  knew  well 
how  to  use  his  native  speech,  and  to  play  with  the  touch  of  a 
master  on  that  grand  instrument,  the  human  heart.  We  feel 
confident  that  no  man  of  taste,  culture  and  intelligence  who 
heard  Mr.  Davis  will  charge  us  with  undue  enthusiasm  or  exces- 
sive laudation.  It  was  unquestionably  the  matured  production 
of  an  exceedingly  gifted  mind,  and  produced  the  happiest  effect 
upon  a  large  and  highly  interested  audience. 

"  And  now,  with  this  general  statement  of  our  impressions, 
how  shall  we  attempt  to  reproduce  even  a  meagre  abstract  of  so 
able  and  imposing  an  effort  ?  We  could  refer  at  length,  if  oppor- 
tunity allowed,  to  the  scheme  of  his  argument,  to  his  magnificent 
peroration,  in  which  passion  and  imagination  swept  the  audience 


25 

and  led  them  captive  at  the  will  of  the  magician ;  to  the  exqui- 
sitely apposite  illustrations,  now  quaint  and  humorous,  and  then 
delicate  and  pathetic,  drawn  with  admirable  art  from  history  and 
poetry  and  the  sacred  Truth — to  these  and  other  points  we  might 
refer,  but  it  would  be  in  vain.  How  can  words,  empty  words, 
reproduce  the  glowing  eloquence  and  entrancing  power  of  the 
human  voice,  when  that  voice  is  one  while  soft  as  Apollo's  lute, 
or  resonant  as  the  blast  of  a  bugle  under  the  influence  of  deep 
passion  ?  How  can  the  pen  convey  to  others  the  sweet  melody 
of  harp  or  viol,  or  how  can  human  language  bring  back  a  for- 
gotten strain,  or  convey  an  exact  impression  that  is  made  by  the 
tongue  of  fire  when  burdened  with  a  majestic  eloquence." 

On  the  31st  of  March,  1880,  Mr.  Davis  and  Judge  Thomas 
Ruffin  were  selected  by  the  Commissioners  named  in  the  Act  of 
the  General  Assembly  authorizing  the  sale  of  the  Western  North 
Carolina  Rail  Road  to  W.  J.  Best  and  associates,  to  act  as 
counsel  for  the  State,  and  to  prepare  the  deed  and  contract. 

For  their  distinguished  services  in  this  matter,  which  are  well 
known,  he  and  Judge  Ruffin  refused  to  accept  any  compensation. 

In  January,  1878,  Governor  Vance  offered  Mr.  Davis  the  Chief 
Justiceship  of  the  Supreme  Court,  made  vacant  by  the  death  of 
Chief  Justice  Pearson,  which  was  declined  for  reasons  shown  in 
the  Raleigh.  Observer  newspaper  of  December  22d,  1877,  as 
follows  : 

HON.    GEORGE    DAVIS. 

"  As  was  natural,  when  the  time  came  to  look  around  for  men 
to  put  upon  the  highest  judicial  tribunal  in  the  State,  and  people 
everywhere  began  to  seek  out  the  ablest  and  the  best,  the  people 
of  North  Carolina  instinctively,  and,  we  may  say,  almost  with 
one  consent,  cast  their  eyes  upon  Mr.  George  Davis,  of 
Wilmington.  As  pure  as  he  is  able,  and  as  able  as  he  is  true 
and  devoted  to  the  land  that  gave  him  birth,  North  Carolina 
never  had  a  more  worthy,  a  more  brilliant  or  more  devoted  son 
than  he,  nor  one  better  fitted  in  all  the  qualities  of  head  and 
heart  for  the  high  position  to  which  people  everywhere  had 
expected  him  soon  to  be  called.  It  is  with  unfeigned  regret, 
therefore,  that  we  publish  the  following  letter  to  a  gentleman  in 


26 

this  city  announcing  Mr.  Davis'  purpose  not  to  allow  his  name 
to  be  used  in  connection  with  the  nomination  for  the  Supreme 
Court  bench,  and  giving  his  reasons  therefor: 

Wilmington,  N.  C,  December  20,  1S77. 

My  Dear  Sir : — You  will  remember  that  in  a  personal  inter- 
view some  time  ago  you  desired  to  be  informed  whether  I  would 
accept  a  nomination  for  the  Supreme  Court  bench,  and  were 
kind  enough  to  intimate  that  you  believed  the  Democratic  party 
would  tender  me  the  nomination  if  I  desired  it.  I  replied  that 
it  was  not  a  thing  to  be  determined  lightly  or  hastily ;  that  I 
would  give  it  a  deliberate  and  serious  consideration,  and  at  the 
proper  time  would  communicate  to  you  my  decision. 

In  my  judgment  that  time  has  now  arrived.     The  subject  has 
of  late  been  urged  upon  me  so  frequently,  and  from  so  many 
different   quarters,   that   silence   is   no   longer   proper,   if  even' 
possible. 

No  man  can  hold  in  higher  estimation  than  I  do  the  dignity 
of  such  a  position.  To  fill  it  worthily  would  be  the  highest 
reach  of  my  ambition.  And  even  to  be  esteemed  worthy  of  it 
by  any  considerable  portion  of  the  bar  and  people  of  North 
Carolina  is  an  honor  which  touches  me  profoundly. 

But  in  this  thing,  as  in  so  many  others,  I  am  obedient  to 
necessity.  I  cannot  live  upon  the  salary.  And  barely  to  live  is 
not  all  my  need.  One  of  my  first  duties  in  life  now  is  to 
endeavor  to  make  some  provision  for  the  little  children  that  have 
come  to  me  in  my  age.  At  the  bar  such  an  expectation  may 
not  be  unreasonable  when  better  times  shall  come.  But  upon 
the  bench  I  should  be  compelled  to  abandon  such  a  hope 
forever. 

I  must  therefore  decline  to  permit  my  name  to  go  before  the 
Convention  of  the  Democratic  party  in  connection  with  such  a 
nomination. 

You  are  at  liberty  to  make  such  use  of  this  letter  as  you  may 
think  proper. 

Very  truly,  your  friend, 

Geo.  Davis. 


2/ 

We  also  present  a  few  of  the  letters  written  to  Mr.  Davis  with 
special  reference  to  this  subject : 

Raleigh,  N.  C,   14th  January,  1878. 

My  Dear  Sir : — Want  of  time  only  has  prevented  me  from 
writing  to  congratulate  you,  not  upon  the  tender  of  the  Chief 
Justiceship,  but  upon  the  universal  manifestation  of  the  opinion 
that  you  were  the  first  man  in  the  State  to  whom  it  ought  to  be 
tendered,  and  that  your  acceptance  of  the  place  would  satisfy 
every  demand,  and  silence  every  claim  in  regard  to  the  appoint- 
ment. I  do  not  think  your  friends,  especially  personal  friends, 
I  mean,  here,  can  take  any  credit  to  themselves  for  Governor 
Vance's  action — certainly  I  cannot.  He  approached  me,  and  not 
I  him,  having  come  to  my  office  for  the  purpose.  He  said  that 
from  the  time  the  death  of  Chief  Justice  Pearson  was  announced 
to  him,  he  being  then  at  Charlotte,  until  the  time  of  speaking, 
and  all  along  the  road  whenever  the  matter  was  referred  to,  the 
universal  expression  was  that  you  were  the  person  to  whom  the 
people  were  looking  to  be  made  Chief  Justice.  The  Governor 
said,  aside  from  his  desire  to  meet  the  expectation  of  the  people, 
and  to  make  a  good  appointment,  there  were  considerations 
personal  to  himself  which  caused  him  to  desire  your  acceptance 
of  the  position ;  and  it  would  relieve  him  from  embarrassment 
in  choosing  from  other  gentlemen  who  might  desire  the  place. 
Your  appointment,  he  was  satisfied,  would  not  give  offence  to 
any  aspirant  not  appointed.  *         *         *         *         * 

I  doubt  if  a  Chief  Justiceship  was  ever  before  tendered  to 
any  one  so  exclusively  for  the  reason  that  personal  fitness  and 
popular  demand  concurred  in  dictating  it.  Nor  were  the  per- 
sonal considerations  that  influenced  the  Governor  less  compli- 
mentary to  yourself;  as,  but  for  the  other  considerations  moving 
him  to  the  appointment,  you  would  not  have  been  available  to 
relieve  him  from  embarrassment.  For  to  relieve  that  embarrass- 
ment it  was  needed  the  new  Chief  Justice  should  be  facile  princeps. 
********** 

I  have  availed  myself  of  the  first  opportunity  to  write  to  you 


28 

and  say  what  you  were  entitled  to  know,  though   I  was  not  at 
liberty  to  use  my  information  in  a  public  way. 

And  so,  with  the  best  wishes  for  you  and  yours,  now  and 
ever,  I  am, 

Very  respectfully, 

W.  L.  Saunders. 
Hon.  Geo.  Davis,  Wilmington,  N.  C. 


North  Carolina,  Executive  Department, 

Raleigh,  N.  C,  January  24th,  1878. 
Hon.  Geo.  Davis,  Wilmington,  N.  C. : 

Dear  Sir  : — I  am  in  receipt  of  your  letter  in  regard  to  the 
Chief  Justiceship,  and  although  it  does  not  call  specially  for  a 
reply,  I  cannot  forbear  making  a  brief  response. 

I  desire  to  avail  myself  of  this  opportunity  to  say  to  you,  in 
person,  what  I  have  often  said  and  always  thought  in  your 
absence,  that  you  are  one  of  the  men  who  have  steadily  pursued 
principle  for  its  own  sake,  spurning  alike  the  temptations  of 
office  and  the  lures  of  ambition  when  they  came  not  strictly 
within  the  utmost  requirements  of  dignity  and  manly  honor. 
As  such  there  has  come  to  me,  as  the  result  of  my  position,  no 
greater  happiness  than  the  ability  to  testify  my  appreciation  of 
your  character  and  worth,  and  of  the  great  service  your  example 
has  been  in  shaping  and  toning  the  political  ethics  of  our  society. 
In  attempting  to  honor  you  by  the  bestowment  of  that  great 
office  I  have  also  attempted  to  show  what  is  my  own  sense  of 
State  honor,  as  well  as  to  give  expression  to  the  general  voice  of 
our  people.  In  this  respect  I  was  happy  in  the  belief  that  I 
could  not  err  as  between  you  and  the  distinguished  gentleman 
who  was  finally  chosen. 

Earnestly  hoping  that  you  may  not  be  disappointed  in  the 
attainment  of  those  ends  for  the  sake  of  which  you  declined  the 
Chief  Justiceship,  and  with  my  best  wishes  for  your  prosperity 
and  happiness,  I  am,  dear  sir,  as  ever  since  first  I  saw  your  face 
in  your  own  home  in  December,  1854,  I  have  been, 
Your  friend  and  obedient  servant, 

Z.  B.  Vance. 


29 

One  of  Mr.  Davis'  most  beautiful  compositions  was  dictated 
to  an  amenuensis  a  few  weeks  before  his  death,  and  while  he  was 
disabled  by  paralysis.  It  was  a  memorial  of  the  life  and  work 
of  the  late  W.  T.  Walters,  of  Baltimore,  President  of  the  Atlantic 
Coast  Line.  The  occasion  was  Mr.  Davis'  last  appearance  in 
public,  at  the  annual  meeting-  of  the  Wilmington  and  Weldon 
Rail  Road  Company,  during  which  resolutions  of  respect  and 
honor  to  the  memory  of  the  original  projector  of  the  Atlantic 
Coast  Line  system  were  adopted. 

Mr.  Davis  was  counsel  for  the  Wilmington,  Columbia  and 
Augusta  Rail  Road  Company,  formerly  the  Wilmington  and 
Manchester  Rail  Road  Company,  from  the  date  of  its  existence 
up  to  his  death. 

Upon  the  death  of  Mr.  William  A.  Wright,  he  succeeded  him 
as  counsel  for  the  Wilmington  and  Weldon  Rail  Road  Company. 

During  a  recent  interview  the  Executive  of  both  railroads, 
President  Warren  G.  Elliott,  said  to  one  of  your  Committee,  and 
with  evident  great  feeling  : 

"  My  admiration  of  Mr.  George  Davis  was  unbounded.  Your 
request  that  I  should  add  to  the  memorial  of  his  life  which  you 
are  preparing  on  behalf  of  the  Chamber  of  Commerce  a  few 
lines  on  the  character  of  this  good  man,  is  one  that  I  cannot  well 
resist,  while  any  effort  on  my  part  to  do  justice  to  the  occasion 
will  necessarily  fall  far  short  of  the  mark. 

"  Having  known  Mr.  Davis  personally  for  only  a  few  years  (for 
I  first  met  him  after  his  face  was  turned  to  the  setting  sun,  and 
his  feet  were  on  the  decline  of  the  road),  I  must  leave  to  others 
the  pleasant  task  of  recording  their  personal  recollections  of  his 
earlier  career,  and  confine  myself  to  the  impressions  made  upon 
me  by  a  close  personal  acquaintance  during  the  declining  years 
of  his  beautiful  and  exemplary  life. 

"  It  was  my  good  fortune,  in  the  discharge  of  my  official  duties, 
to  have  the  benefit  of  his  advice  and  counsel,  and  if  ever  a 
difficult  or  doubtful  question  arose  it  was  always  solved  by  him 
on  the  side  of  truth  and  justice. 

"  Mr.  Davis  gave  to  us  a  splendid  illustration  of  every  manly 


30 

and  noble  virtue.  He  was  a  good  man,  a  just  man,  a  strong 
man  ;  a  patriotic  citizen,  full  of  love  and  affection  for  his  native 
State ;  a  lovable,  companionable  friend ;  affectionate  and  tender 
in  his  domestic  relations ;  a  brave  and  fearless  man,  with  a  love 
for  the  right  and  a  scorn  for  the  wrong ;  chivalrous  and  honor- 
able, a  true  and  genuine  type  of  the  Olden  School— the  type  that 
never  had  its  superior,  and  that  never  will. 

"  It  is  almost  a  useless  task  that  we  should  undertake  to  place 
on  record  any  memorial  of  Mr.  Davis  as  a  lawyer.  His  name 
and  his  fame  will  be  handed  down  from  generation  to  generation. 
The  recognized  head  of  his  noble  profession  in  this  State,  no 
future  historian  can  ever  truthfully  record  the  great  deeds  of  the 
best  and  ablest  sons  of  this  noble  old  Commonwealth  without 
paying  tribute  to  George  Davis  of  New  Hanover  as  an  honor  to 
his  profession,  and  as  a  lawyer  of  the  highest  eminence  and 
purest  type.  He  was  indeed  a  skillful  lawyer,  a  wise  counsellor, 
able,  strong  and  vigorous.  Appreciated  by  all  as  a  leader  in  his 
profession,  he  has  bequeathed  to  the  younger  members  of  the 
Bar  an  example  that  they  should  love  to  follow  and  to  reverence  ; 
a  legacy  to  all  of  them  of  inestimable  value,  for  his  life  was  a 
lofty  ideal,  a  standard  to  be  lived  up  to,  and  worthy  to  be 
followed. 

"  He  has  laid  down  his  armor  when  the  tide  was  at  its  ebb, 
after  having  enjoyed  during  a  long  and  eventful  life  the  greatest 
riches  that  this  world  can  bestow— the  genuine  love,  reverence, 
respect  and  admiration  of  his  fellow-men — with  his  integrity 
unstained,  and  without  a  whisper  of  detraction  against  his 
motives,  his  character  or  his  purposes ;  and  the  Christian  grace 
and  dignity  with  which  he  met  the  final  summons  was  but  the 
crowning  glory  of  an  honorable  and  exemplary  career  on  this 
earth." 


The  last  appearance  of  Mr.  Davis  before  a  general  audience 
was  at  the  mass-meeting  in  the  Opera  House,  in  1889,  to  do 
honor  to  the  memory  of  ex- President  Davis.     He  was  already 


3i 

in  feeble  health,  and  unequal  to  an  oration,  but  the  tenderness 
and  sweetness  of  his  personal  reminiscences,  as  he  presented  the 
side  of  his  friend's  character  that  was  least  known  to  the  world, 
will  abide  in  the  memory  of  those  who  heard  him,  like  the 
lingering  fragrance  of  flowers  that  have  faded  and  passed  away. 
In  the  concluding  passage,  in  which  he  spoke  of  the  President's 
religious  faith,  he  unconsciously  reflected  his  own  simple  and 
abiding  trust  in  God  ;  and  we  can  find  no  words  which  more 
fittingly  describe  the  Christian  life  of  our  Mr.  Davis,  than  those 
that  he  uttered  of  his  dead  chieftain  : 

"  He  was  a  high-souled,  true-hearted  Christian  gentleman. 
And  if  our  poor  humanity  has  any  higher  form  than  that,  I  know 
not  what  it  is.  His  great  and  active  intellect  never  exercised 
itself  with  questioning  the  being  of  God,  or  the  truth  of  His 
revelations  to  man.  He  never  thought  it  wise  or  smart  to 
scoff  at  mysteries  which  he  could  not  understand.  He  never  was 
daring  enough  to  measure  infinite  power  and  goodness  by  the 
poor,  narrow  gauge  of  a  limited,  crippled  human  intellect. 
Where  he  understood,  he  admired,  worshipped,  adored.  Where 
he  could  not  understand,  he  rested  unquestioningly  upon  a  faith 
that  was  as  the  faith  of  a  little  child — a  faith  that  never  wavered, 
and  that  made  him  look  always  undoubtingly,  fearlessly,  through 
life,  through  death,  to  life  again." 

In  that  address  also  occurs  the  following  passage,  which  is 
worthy  of  all  preservation  as  the  declaration  of  one  of  com- 
manding intellect  and  wide  experience,  after  he  had  reached  the 
limit  of  three  score  years  and  ten,  as  to  what  attribute  he  con- 
sidered of  the  highest  value  in  human  character : 

"  My  public  life  was  long  since  over ;  my  ambition  went  down 
with  the  banner  of  the  South,  and,  like  it,  never  rose  again,  I 
have  had  abundant  time  in  all  these  quiet  years,  and  it  has  been 
my  favorite  occupation,  to  review  the  occurrences  of  that  time, 
and  recall  over  the  history  of  that  tremendous  struggle ;  to 
remember  with  love  and  admiration  the  great  men  who  bore  their 
parts  in  its  events. 

"  I  have  often  thought  what  was  it  that  the  Southern  people 


32 

had  to  be  most  proud  of  in  all  the  proud  things  of  their  record  ? 
Not  the  achievements  of  our  arms  !  No  man  is  more  proud  of 
them  than  I ;  no  man  rejoices  more  in  Manassas,  Chancellors  - 
ville  and"  in  Richmond  ;  but  all  nations  have  had  their  victories. 
There  is  something,  I  think,  better  than  that,  and  it  was  this, 
that  through  all  the  bitterness  of  that  time,  and  throughout  all 
the  heat  of  that  fierce  contest,  Jefferson  Davis  and  Robert  E. 
Lee  never  spoke  a  word,  never  wrote  a  line  that  the  whole  neutral 
world  did  not  accept  as  the  very  indisputable  truth.  Aye,  truth 
was  the  guiding  star  of  both  of  them,  and  that  is  a  grand  thing 
to  remember;  upon  that  my  memory  rests  more  proudly  than 
upon  anything  else.  It  is  a  monument  better  thin  marble,  more 
durable  than  brass.  Teach  it  to  your  children,  that  they  may  be 
proud  to  remember  Jefferson  Davis." 


As  we  contemplate  the  lofty  qualities  of  the  noble  man  who 
has  been  taken  from  our  community  and  Commonwealth,  we 
cannot  repress  the  sigh  of  regret  that  such  greatness  is  no  more. 
The  soaring  thought,  the  brilliant  imagination,  the  balanced 
judgment,  the  profound  learning,  we  do  not  expect  to  see  every 
day,  nor  in  every  generation.  The  stainless  honor,  the  broad 
patriotism,  the  noble  disinterestedness  of  his  public  service,  are 
unhappily  too  little  seen  in  our  public  men.  But  it  is  surely  not 
too  much  to  hope  that  the  example  of  his  blameless  life  will  not 
be  lost  upon  the  people  among  whom  he  lived  so  long,  and  so 
honorably. 

How  well  he  exemplified  in  his  own  career  the  beautiful 
message,  which  he  brought  in  his  early  years  to  those  just 
entering  upon  the  duties  of  life : 

"  Rather  be  yours  the  generous  ambition  to  shine  only  in  the 
pure  excellence  of  virtue  and  refinement.  *  *  *  Go  forth, 
then,  into  the  world,  and  meet  its  trials  and  dangers,  its  duties 
and  pleasures,  with  a  firm  integrity  of  heart  and  mind,  looking 
ever  onward  and  upward,  and  walking  erect  before  the  gaze  of 


33 

men,  fearless,  because  without  reproach.  When  the  glad  sun- 
shine is  upon  you,  rejoice  and  be  happy.  When  the  dark  hours 
come,  light  them  with  a  gentle  patience  and  a  Christian  faith. 
*  *  *  This  above  all :  '  To  thine  own  self  be  true,  and  it 
must  follow  as  the  night  the  day,  thou  canst  not  then  be  false 
to  any  man.'  " 


A  MEMOIR 


REV.  EL1SHA  MITCHELL,  D.  D.. 


LATE   PROFESSOR   OF 


CHEMISTRY,  MINERALOGY  AND  GEOLOGY 

IN  THE  UNIVERSITY  OP  NORTH  CAROLINA. 


J'!  I'iV.    IE  lilt*.  .  IT' !'.I].I''..l.  n.  3B.3D. 


Professor  or  chemtstuy.  minf.kai.o<;y  ash     SBOXjOGT, 

DT    THE    UNIVERSITY  OF   NORTH   <,AHOI.IN.\  . 


& 


:,e      Plidiinthi-. ,]>!<-    Society    ill     the    University- 


A  MEMOIR 

OF   THE  [lliMWi 


RET.  ELISH1  MITCHELL,  D.  I)., 

LATE  PROFESSOR  OF  CHEMISTRY,  MINERALOGY  &  GEOLOGY 
IN  THE  UNIVERSITY  OF  NORTH  CAROLINA  : 


TOGETHER  WITH 

THE  TRIBUTES  OF   RESPECT  TO   HIS   MEMORY,  BY  VARIOUS 
PUBLIC  MEETINGS  AND  LITERARY  ASSOCIATIONS, 


THE  ADDRESSES  DELIVERED 

AT  THE  RE-INTERMENT  OF  HIS  REMAINS, 

BY 

RT.  REV.  JAMES  H.  OTEY,  D.  D., 

BISHOP   OF   TENNESSEE, 
AND 

HON.  DAVID  L.  SWALN,  LL.  D., 

PRESIDENT  OF  THE  UNIVERSITY.      . 


CHAPEL  HELL: 
PUBLISHED  BY  J.  M.  HENDERSON, 

PRINTER  TO  THE  UNIVERSITY. 

1858. 


COMMITTEE   OF    PUBLICATION  : 
PROFESSORS  HUBBARD,    SHIPP   AND   WHEAT. 


CONTENTS. 


PAGE 

MEMOIR,  BY  PROFESSOR  C.  PHILLIPS, 5 

SEARCH  POR  PROFESSOR  MITCHELL'S  BODY,  13 

FUNERAL  SERMON  BY  DR.  CHAPMAN, 20 

PUBLIC  MEETINGS:— 

Meeting  at  Asheville  ; 

"  Chapel  Hill  ; 
"        "  Fayetteville  ; 
"         "  Greensborough  ; 
"        "  Wilmington  ;        .        -        -        -        -        -         26 — 34 

TESTIMONIALS  OF  RESPECT  :— 

Resolutions  of  the  Trustees  of  the  University: 

"  of  the  Faculty  ; 

"  of  the  Students  ; 

"  of  the  Dialectic  Society  ; 

"  of  the  Philanthropic  Society  ; 

"  of  the  Trustees  of  Davidson  College  ; 

"  of  the  Faculty  of  Davidson  College  ; 

"  of  the  Commissioners  of  Chapel  Hill  ; 

Minute  of  the  Presbytery  of  Orange  ; 

"       of  the  Synod  of  North  Carolina,         ...    35 — 44 

THE  RE-INTERMENT  :— 

Proposed  Monument  ; 

Proceedings  of  the  16th  of  June — Mr.  Battle's  Letter  ; 

Mount  Mitchell,  a  Poem, 45 — 53 

BISHOP  OTEY'S  FUNERAL  ORATION, 55 

Advertisement  ; 
PRESIDENT  SWAIN'S  ADDRESS, 75—88 


MEMOIR. 


BY  PROFESSOR  CHARLES  PHILLIPS. 


ELI  SUA  MITCHELL,  D.  L\,  Professor  of  Chemistry,  Mineralogy,  and 
Geology  in  the  University  of  North  Carolina,  was  born  in  Washington, 
Litchfield  County,  Connecticut,  on  the  19th  of  August,  1793.  He  was 
the  eldest  son  of  Abxer  Mitchell,  a  respectable  farmer  of  that  town- 
ship, whose  wife,  Piukbe  Eliot,  was  a  descendant  in  the  fifth  generation 
of  John  Eliot,  the  celebrated  "  Apostle  to  the  Indians."  Dr.  Mitchell 
wao  thus  a  member  of  a  family  now  very  widely  spread  over  the  United 
States,  and  reckoning  many  who  have  exercised  much  influence  in  Com- 
merce, Politics,  Science,  and  Religion.  He  possessed  many  of  the  charac- 
teristics which  marked  the  Eliots,  especially  of  the  earlier  generations. 
The  Rev.  Jared  Eliot,  M.  D.  and  D.  D.,  minister  for  many  years  at  Kil- 
lingworth,  Connecticut,  was  Dr.  Mitchell's  great-grandfather.  He  was 
distinguished  in  his  own  times  for  his  knowledge  of  History,  Natural 
Philosophy,  Botany,  and  Mineralogy,  while  as  a  theologian  he  was  sound 
in  the  faith  and  delighted  in  the  doctrines  of  Gospel  Grace.  Among  his 
turrespondents  were  Dr.  Franklin  and  Bishop  Berkeley,  and  in  1762  he 
was  honored  by  the  Royal  Society*  of  London  with  a  gold  medal  for  a 
valuable  discovery  in  the  manufacture  of  Iron.  This  ancestor  Dr.  Mit- 
chell closely  resembled  in  many  peculiarities  of  body  and  soul.  Both 
were  men  of  large  stature,  of  great  bodily  strength,  of  untiring  activity, 
of  restless  curiosity,  of  varied  and  extensive  attainments,  of  a  quaint  and 
quiet  humor,  of  persevering  generosity,  and  of  a  well  established  piety. 
This  desire  for  excellence  in  things  pertaining  to  the  mind  was  a  pi-omi- 
uent  feature  in  Dr.  Mitchell's  character  from  early  childhood.  When 
<mly  four  years  old  he  acted  a  spirited  part  in  an  exhibition  of  the  school 
he  then  attended,  greatly  to  his  own  satisfaction,  and  to  the  delight  of  his 
friends.  As  he  grew  older,  he  was  never  so  well  pleased  as  when  his 
playmates  would  gather  around  him  to  hear  him  tell  what  he  had  read  in 
his  books,  and  explain  the  pictures  they  contained.     His  preparation  for 

college  was  completed  by  the  Rev.  Azel  Backus,  D.  D.,.  who  maintained 
9 


6 

for  many  years  a  classical  school  at  Bcthlem  in  Litchfield  County,  and 
was  afterwards  the  first' President  of  Hamilton  College  in  New  York.  Dr. 
Backus  was  famous  in  his  day  for  skill  in  training  hoys.  He  exercised  a 
vrrv  strong  control,  oyer  even  the  vicious,  by  his  genial  disposition,  his 
good  common  sense,  his  keen  wit,  his  unsleeping  vigilance,  his  long  suf- 
fering patience,  his  respectable  attainments  in  .Science,  and  his  devout 
deference  to  the  will  of  God.  Those  who  knew  Dr.  Mitchell  will  readily 
perceive  that  many  of  his  excellent- peculiarities,  as  a  man  and  as  a  Profes- 
sor, must  have  received  an  important  developement  by  his  association  with 
I>k.  Backus. 

Dr.  Mitchell  graduated  at  Yale  College  in  1813.  along  with  the  Hon. 
George  E.  I>ai>«:er,  Dr,  Olmsted,  President  Longstreet,  Mr.  Thomas  P.  De- 
vereix,  the  Rev.  Mr.  SlNGLETARY,  and  others  who  have  been  of  note  in 
various  walks  in  life.  Among  these  he  was  counted  as  one  of  the  best 
scholars  in  their  class,  being  especially  distinguished  for  his  knowledge  of 
English  Literature.  He  Mas  very  popular  with  his  College  mates,  and  the 
younger  members  of  the  Institution  especially  delighted  to  do  him  honor. 
The  College  Society  to  which  he  belonged  depended  on  him  to  gain  it  cred- 
it on  public  occasions.  His  fine  physiognomy]  the  dignity  of  his  person, 
the  originality  of  his  discussions,  and  the  humor  that  enlivened  them,  ren- 
dered his  orations  acceptable  to  his  audiences,  and  secured  him  respect 
from  men  of  taste  and  education.  It  was  not  till  the  Senior  year  that  he 
became  thoughtful  on  the  subject  of  Religion.  The  kind  and  gentle  per- 
suasions of  a  classmate — a  man  of  humble  powers  of  mind  but  of  exempla- 
ry piety — had  great  influence  in  leading  him  to  that  serious  examination 
of  his  life  and  hopes, .which  resulted  in  his  conversion. 

On  quitting  College,  Dr.  Mitchell  taught  in  a  school  for  boys,  under  the 
care  of  Dr.  Eioexbrodt,  at  Jamaica,  in  Lon£  Island.  Afterwards,  in  the 
Spring  of  1815,  he  took  charge  of  a  school  for  girls  in  New  London,  Con- 
necticut. Here  he  formed  an  acquaintance  with  Miss  Maria*  S.  North, 
who  was  the  daughter  of  an  eminent  physician  of  that  place,  and  became 
his  wife  in  LslO.  Experience  has  shown  the  wisdom  of  this  choice,  inas- 
much as  for  nearly  forty  years  this  lady  presided  over  Ids  household,  so  as 
to  command  his  entire  esteem  and  confidence.  In  1816  Dr.  Mitchell 
became  a  Tutor  in  Yale  College,  and  while  so  engage!  he  was  recommen- 
ded to  the  favorable  notice  of  the  Trustees  of  the  University  of  North  Car- 
olina. This  was  done  through  Judge  Gaston,  by  thePicv.  Serexo  E.  Dwight, 
a  son  of  President  DwiGHT,  and  at  that  time  Chaplain  to  the  Senate  of  the 
United  States.  Ever  since  1802  one  of  the  most  active  and  judicious  of 
the  Trustees  of  the  University,  Judge  Gaston  was  at  that  time  a  member 
rtf  the   House  of  Representatives,  and  on   terms  of  intimacy   with   Mr. 


Dwksht.  Because  of  this  recommendation,  in  1817,  these  gentlemen 
were  appointed  each  to  a  professorship  in  the  University  of  North  Caroli- 
na— Dr.  Mitchell  to  the  chair  of  Mathematics  then  vacated  by  Dr.  Cald- 
well's elevation  to  the  Presidency,  and  Dr.  Olmsted  to  the  chair  of  Chemis- 
try, then  first  established  at  the  University.  After  spending  a  short  time 
at  the  Theological  Seminary  in  Andover,  Massachusetts,  and  receiving  a 
license  to  preach  the  Gospel  from  an  orthodox  Congregational  Association 
in  Connecticut,  Dr.  Mitchell  reached  Chapel  Hill  on  the  last  day  of  Janu- 
ary, 1818,  and  immediately  began  to  discharge  his  duties  as  a  prbfessOr — 
a  labor  from  which  he  ceased  only  by  reason  of  death.  In  the  discharge.' 
of  these  duties  he  exhibited  an  energy,  a  vigilance,  an  intelligence,  a  -dud 
common  sense,  a  self  denial,  an  attention  to  minute  particulars,  and  a  suc- 
cess rarely  surpassed  or  even  equalled.  During  the  thirty-nine-and-a-half 
years  of  his  connection  with  the  University  his  abs'ences  from  his  post  on 
account  of  sickness,  visits  to  the  seat  of  government,  attendance  on  eccle- 
siastical bodies,  and  from  all  other  causes,"  did  not  occupy,  on  an  average, 
more  than  three  days  in  a  }-ear.  Indeed,  it  may  be  safely  stated  that, 
throughout  that  entire  period,  his  days  and  his  nights,  in  term  time  and 
in  vacation,  were  devoted  to  his  professorship.  No  one  of  the  hundreds  of 
Students  who  have  been  connected  with  the  University  during  the  last 
generation  will  lie  able  to  recall  the  memory  of  his  absence  from  morning 
and  evening  prayers  but  as  a  rate  exception  to  a  general  rule. 

Dr.  Mitchell  preached  his  first  sermon  in  the  College  Chapel  shortly 
after  his  arrival  there,  and  his  last  in  Salisbury,  North  Carolina,  when  on 
his  way  to  the  scene  of  the  labours  that  costhim  his  life.  He  was  ordain- 
ed to  the  full  work  of  the  'Christian  Ministry  by  the  Presbytery  of  Orange 
in  Hillsborough,  North  Carolina,  in  the  fall  of  1821.  During  his  long 
ministry  there  were  very  lew  weeks  in  which  he  did  not  declare  to  his  fel- 
low men  the  will  of  God.for  their  salvation.  He  always  and  most  heartily 
acknowledged  that  this  Kosmos,  with  whose  varied"  phenomena  he  was  very 
conversant,  was  created  and  controlled  by  a  personal  God,  whose  wisdom, 
pi  wer,  goodness,  and  holiness  he  set  forth  with  no  little  skill,  and  often 
with  a  very  striking  originality.  This  he  did  during  a  time  wherein  too 
many  of  his  associates  in  the  investigation  of  Nature  indulged  in  s  ecula- 
tions,  and  clothed  them  in  language,  that  ignored  the  existence  of  an  au- 
thoritative revelation  concerning  Creation  and  Providence.  His  minute  ac- 
quaintance with  the  Archaiology  and  Geography  of  the  Holy  Scriptures 
rendered  his  exposition  of  them  at  times  luminous  in  a  remarkable  de- 
gree, and,  most  deeply  interesting.  For  the  redemption  of  the  one  race  of 
mankind,  from  the  abyss  of  sin  and  misery  into  which  the  fall  of  Adam  had 
plunged  it,  he  looked  only  to  the  mystery  of  the  Cross  inwrought  by  the 


Holy  Ghost  and  received  ]>y  Faith  into  the  heart  of  each  individual,  and 
he  rested  his  own  soul  thereon  with  sincere  and  deep  felt  emotions.  Dur- 
ing his  eventful  life  he  was  ever  an  attentive  observer  of  the  signs  of  the 
times,  being  a  great  reader  of  newspapers  and  other  periodicals.  In  these 
he  had  noticed  so  many  associations  for  the  reformation  of  the  evils  in  hu- 
manity, skilfully  organized  and  vehemently  recommended,  and  after  all, 
superseded  by  their  original  projectors,  that  while  he  did  not  oppose 
schemes,  which,  devised  by  man,  relied  on  the  organization  of  his  fellow 
men  for  the  attainment  of  reformation,  he  was  not  disappointed  when 
these  attempts  failed  :  and  he  persevered  in  the  old  way  of  presenting  to 
his  hearers  the  necessity  of  a  prompt  and  persevering  dependence  on  the 
power  of  personal  and  revealed  religion  to  regulate  the  affections  and  the 
daily  life. 

But  it  was  as  a  professor  that  l>r.  MlTCHSLL displayed  the  most  energy  and 
accomplished  the  greatest  results.  Until  1825  he  presided  over  the  depart- 
ment of  .Mathematics  and  Natural  Philosophy.  During  this  period  the  doc- 
trine of  Fluxions,  now  called  the  Calculus,  was  introduced  into  £he  College 
curriculum,  and  the  degree  of  attainment  in  other  branches  of  Mathematics 
was  elevated  considerably.  In  1^25,  when  Dr.  Olmsted  accepted  a  situation 
in  Yale  College,  Dr.  Mitchell  was  transferred  to  the  chair  tha;  vacated  and 
left  his  own  to  be  tilled  by  Dr.  Phillips.  The  pursuit  of  Natural  Science 
had  always  been  a  delightful  employment  with  Dr.  Mitchell.  Even 
while  a  Professor  of  Mathematics  he  had  frequently  indulged  his  taste  for 
Botany  by  pedestrian  excursions  through  the  country  around  Chapel  Hill. 
After  he  took  upon  himself  instruction  in  Chemistry,  Mineralogy,  and  Geol- 
ogy he  extended  and  multiplied  these  excursions,  so  that  when  he  died  he 
was  known  in  almost  every  part  of  North  Carolina,  and  he  left  no  one  be- 
hind him  better  acquainted  with  its  mountains,  vallies,  and  plains,  its 
birds,  beasts,  bugs,  iishe.s.  and  shells,  its  trees,  flowers,  vines,  and  mosses, 
its  rocks,  stones,  sands,  clays  and  marls.  Although  in  Silliman's  Journal. 
and  in  other  periodicals  less  prominent  but  circulating  more  widely  nearer 
home,  he  published  many  of  his  discoveries  concerning  North  Carolina, 
yet  it  is  to  be  regretted  that  he  did  not  print  more,  and  in  a  more  perma- 
nent form.  It  would  doubtless  have  thus  appeared  that  he  knew  and  per- 
haps justly  estimated  the  worth  of  many  facts  which  much  later  investiga- 
tors have  proclaimed  as  their  own  remarkable  discoveries.  But  the  infor- 
mation he  gathered  was  for  his  own  enjoyment,  and  for  the  instruction  >i 
his  pupils.  On  these  he  lavished,  to  their  utmost  capacity  for  reception, 
the  knowledge  that  he  had  gathered  by  his  widely  extended  observations, 
and  had  stored  up  mainly  in  the  recesses  of  his  own  singularly  retentive 
memory'. 


9 

But  it  was  not  only  for  accuracy  and  intelligence  as  a  personal  observer, 
that  Dr.  Mitchell  was  famous,  marked  as  his  exertions  were  by  a  won- 
derful activity  of  body,  patience  of  labour,  and  insensibility  to  fatigue.. 
He  read  greedily  all  that  he  had  a  chance  to  read  on  the  subjects  directly 
or  indirectly  concerning  his  professorship,  and  on  many  other  things  lie- 
sides.  So  that  he  well  deserved  the  name  of  "  the  walking  Encyclopedia.'' 
There  were  very  few  subjects  on  which  men  of  polite  literature,  or  of  ab- 
stract as  well  as  natural  science  converse,  wherein  he  was  not  an  intelli- 
'gent  and  appreciative  listener,  or  an  instructive  teacher.  His  knowledge  of 
Geography  was  wonderful.  .It  was  a  constant  amusement  for  him  to  read 
the  advertisements  in  a  large  commercial  newspaper,  to  learn  what  things 
were  bought  and  sold  in  the  markets  of  the  world,  and  then  to  sit  down 
and  find  out  where  the  things  were  manufactured.  Such  was  his  reputa- 
tation  for  these  acquisitions  that  when  any  one  wanted  some  rare  informa- 
tion on  a  Historical,  or  Geographical,  or  more  strictly  Scientific  matter,  it 
was  a  common  thing  to  say,  "Go,  ask  Dr.  Mitchell."  He  also  kept  him- 
self supplied  with  periodicals  and  magazines  in  which  the  Sciences  he 
taught  were  developing;  for  he  loved  to  have  his  knowledge  fresh,  and 
would  not  wait  for  others  to  winnow  the  true  from  the  false.  He  took 
pleasure  in  running  the  pure  metal  from  the  crude  ore  for  himself.  His 
large  library  contained  something  on  almost  every  thing.  But  it  was  in 
such  a  form,  and  obtained  in  such  times,  and  at  such  prices  that  in  the 
market  it  never  would  have  brought  any  approximation  to  what  it  cost 
him.  The  Sciences  he  taught  were  developing  while  he  taught  them,  and 
he  felt  it  incumbent  on  him  to  have  at  the  earliest  moment  whatever 
treatise  he  heard  of  as  likely  to  secure  him  the  best  and  latest  informa- 
tion. Much  of  what  Dr.  Mitchell  had  to  read  is  not  now  necessary,  and 
many  of  his  acquisitions  may  seem  to  others  useless,  but  he  thus  provided 
that  no  one  of  his  pupils  left  his  laboratory  without  having  an  opportunity 
of  learning  all  that  was  of  interest  or  of  use  to  him  on  the  subjects  there 
discussed.  Nor  were  his  remarkable  accomplishments  as  a  professor  con- 
fined to  his  own  department.  In  the  Ancient  Languages  he  was  frequent- 
ly ready  and  able  to  help  a  colleague  who  was  prevented  from  discharging 
his  own  duties.  In  the  Mathematics  he  would  often,  at  public  examina- 
tions, propose  such  questions  as  showed  that  his  earlier  love  still  retained 
a  hold  on  his  attention  and  affections.  He  was  a  good  writer,  and  in  the 
department  of  Belles  Lettres  he  was  a  well-read  and  instructive  critic-. 
When  it  was  known  that  he  was  to  deliver  an  address  before  the  North 
Carolina  Agricultural  Society,  a  friend,  who  knew  him  well,  exclaimed. 
"  I'll  warrant  that  Dr.  Mitchell  begins  at  the  garden  of  Eden."  And  so 
he  did.     But  by  the  time  that,  passing  through  Egypt  and  Canaan,  Greece 


10 

and  Rome  and  Great  Britain,  he  got  to  Chatham  County  in  North  Carolina, 
he  furnished,  as  usual,  an  essay  full  of  rare  information,  judicious  sugges- 
tions, peculiar  humour,  and  excellent  common  sense. 

As  a  teacher,  Dr.  Mitchell  took  great  pains  in  inculcating  tin-  first 
principles  of  Science.  These  he  set  forth  distinctly  in  the  very  beginning 
of  his  instructions,  and  he  never  let  his  pupils  lose  sight  of  them.  When 
brilliant  and  complicated  phenomena  were  presented  for  their  contempla- 
tion, he  sought  do!  t<>  excite  their  wonder  or  magnify  himself  in  their  eyes 
as  a  man  of  suprising  acquirements,  or  as  a  most  dexterous  manipulator, 
but  to  exhibit  Buch  instances  as  most  clearly  Vet  forth  fundamental  laws, 
and  demanded  the  exercise  of  a  skilful  analysis.  Naturally  of  a  cautious 
disposition,  such  had  been  his  own  experience",  and  so  large  was  his  ac- 
quaintance with  the  experience  of  others,  that  he  was  not  easily  excited 
when  others  announced  unexpected  discoveries  among  the  laws  and  the 
phenomena  which  he  had  been  studying  for  years  as  they  appeared. — 
"While  others  were  busy  in   prophesying  revolutions  in  social   or   political 

economy,  lie  was  quietly  awaiting  the  decisions  of  experience,  lie  con- 
stantly taught  his  pupils  that  there  were  times  wherein  they  must  turn 
from  the  voice  .of  the  charmer,  charm  he  ever  so  sweetly.     His  influence  on 

the  developments  of  Science  was  eminently  conservative,  for  he  loved  the 
(dd  landmarks.     Asa  disciplinarian  he  was  vigilant,  ttious,   long 

suffering,  linn,  and  mild.  Believing  that  the  prevention  was  better  than 
the  cure  of  the  ills  of  a  College  life,  he  was  constantly  watching  to  guard 
the  Students  from  a  violation  of  the  rules  of  morality  and  common  pro- 
priety. When  offenc  -mmitted,  to  ider  he  set  forth  his 
conduct  in  its  true  light,  and  often  with  very  plain  language.  But  when 
punishment  was  to.be  inflicted  he  generally  proposed  thai  which  appealed 
to  the  culprit's  better  feelings,  ami  left  him  a  door  open  lor  a  return  to  a 
better  mind  and  an  earnest  attempt  for  his  reformation.  Many  cases  are 
l-'.iown  where  such  unwearied  and  unostentatious  kindness  has  produced 
the  happiest  results.  How  widely  extended  it  was  no  one  can  tell  now  for 
it  was  almost  always  shown  to  the  receiver  alone.  It  sprang  from  a  love 
toman  and  fear  ofG  :.  for  Dr.  Mitchell  never  feared  the  face  of  his 
fellow. 

Dr.  Mitchell  enjoyed  being-  busy.  Neither  laziness  nor  idleness  enter- 
ed into  his  composition,  so  that  he  always  had  something  which  he  was 
doing  heartily.  Besides  being  a  Professor,  he  educated  his  own  children 
and  especially  his  daughters  to  a  degree  not  often  attempted.  He  was 
a  regular  preacher  in  the  College  Chapel  and  in  the  village  Church,  the 
College  Bursar,  a  Justice  of  the  peace,  a  Farmer,  a  Commissioner  for 
the  village  of  Chapel  Hill,  and  at  times  its  Ma  I    Poljfe.     What- 


11 

ever  plans  he  laid  were  generally  sketched  on  a  large  scale,  and  when  exe- 
cuted, they  were  commonly  well  done.  Although  a  man  of  strong  feel- 
ings, his  excitement  rarely  lasted  long,  and  he  did  not  harbour  resentment 
even  when  he  had  to  remove  unjust  suspicions,  or  forgive  unmerited  inju- 
ries. His  generosity  was  abundant,  and  was  often  appealed  to  again  and 
again.  No  friend  of  his  ever  asked  him  for  help  without  getting  all  that 
he  could  give  him.  In  this  he  often  swore  to  his  own  hurt  yet  he  did  not 
change. 

Such  were  the  leading  characteristics  of  Dr.  Mitchell  who  loved  God 
and  every  thing  He  has  made ;  and  now,  while  his  colleagues  mourn  for 
one  who  counselled  with  wisdom  and  executed  with  vigour — while  men  of 
Science  miss  the  co-operation  of  a  learned  associate  members  of  the  Cabi- 
net and  Ministers  to  foreign  countries,  with  Senators  and  Representatives 
in  Congress,  Governors  of  our  States  witli  their  Judges  and  their  Legisla- 
tors, Ambassadors  from  the  Court  of  Heaven,  and  men  of  renown  in 
the  professsions,  learned  Professors,  with  famous  School-masters,  and 
thousands  of  other  pupils  in  more  retired  positions  rise  up  in  all  parts  of 
our  country  to  do'  their  revered  preceptor  high  honor.  His  bow  abode  in 
strength  to  the  last,  neither  was  his  natural  force  abated.  He  died  as 
Abner  died,  and  because  they  loved  him  unlettered  slaves  as  well  as  migh- 
ty men  followed  his  bier  weeping. 

Dr.  Mitchell  perished  on  Saturday,  the  27th  of  June,  1857,  in  the  six- 
ty-fourth year  of  his  age.  He  attempted  alone  to  descend  Mt.  Mitchell 
the  highest  peak  of  the  Black  Mountain  which  is  in  Yancey  County,  Xorth 
Carolina.  But  a  thunder  storm  detained  him  on  the  mountain,  so  that  it 
was  evening  and  dark  as  he  was  groping  his  way  down  the  mountain's 
sides.  Xot  far  from  nineteen  minutes  past  eight — for  his  watch  marked 
that  time — he  pitched  head-long  some  forty  feet  down  the  precipice  into  a 
small  but  deep  pool  of  water  that  feeds  the  Sugar  Camp  Fork  of  Caney 
River.  At  the  bottom  of  this  pool  he  was  found  on  the  8th  of  July  by 
Mr.  Thomas  D.  Wilson,  who  with  some  two  hundred  other  mountain  men 
were  looking  for  Dr.  Mitchell  in  every  glen  on  the  sides  of  that  fearful 
mountain  mass.  This  was  the  fifth  visit  that  Dr.  Mitchell  had  paid  to 
•  the  Black  Mountain,  the  others  being  in  1835,  1838,  1844,  and  185G  re- 
spectively. His  object  at  this  time  was  partly  personal,  and  partly  Scien- 
tific. He  wished  to  correct  the  mistakes  into  which  some  hatl  been  led 
concerning  his  earlier  visits,  and  to  so  compare  the  indications  of  the 
Spirit  Level  and  the  Barometer,  that  future  explorers  of  mountain  heights 
might  have  increased  confidence  in  the  results  afforded  them  by  these  in- 
struments. His  untimely  end  left  both  parts  of  this  work  to  be  completed 
by  the  pious  hands  of  others. 


12 

Dr.  Mitchell  was  buried  in  Asheville,  North  Carolina,  on  the  10th  of 
July,  1857,  by  the  side  of  one  of  his  College  mates.  But  at  the  earnest 
solicitation  of  many  friends,  and  especially  of  the  mountain  men  of  Yancey, 
his  family  allowed  his  body  to  be  removed  and  deposited  on  the  top  of  Mt. 
Mitchell.  This  was  done  on  the  10th  of  June,  1858.  There  he  shall  rest 
till  the  Judgment  Day,  in  a  mausoleum  such  as  no  other  man  has  ever  had. 
Reared  by  the  hands  of  Omnipotence,  it  was  assigned  to  him  by  those  to 
whom  it  was  given  thus  to  express  their  esteem,  and  it  was  consecrated  by 
the  lips  of  eloquence  warmed  by  affection,  amidst  the  rites  of  our  Holy  Re- 
ligion. Before  him  lies  the  North  Carolina  he  loved  so  well  and  served  so 
faithfully.  From  his  lofty  couch  its  hills  and  vallies  melt  into  its  plains 
as  they  stretch  away  to  the  shores  of  the  eastern  ocean,  whence  the  dawn 
of  the  last  day  stealing  quietly  westward,  as  it  lights  the  mountain  tops 
first,  shall  awake  him  earliest  to  hear  the  greeting  of 

"Well  done  good  and  faithful  servant." 


THE  SEARCH-  FOR  PROFESSOR  MITCHELL'S  BODY. 
From  the  Asheville  Spectator. 

Messrs.  Editors — Having  spent  a  week  at  the  scene  of  this  memorable 
calamity,  in  search  of  the  body  of  Dr.  Mitchell,  and  assisting -in  its  remo- 
val after  it  was  found,  I  have- been  requested  by  sundry  citizens  to  give  to 
the  public  a  sketch  of  the  deplorable  event.  In  accordance  with  their  re- 
quest, I  now  take  my  pen  to  give  you  all  I  know  of  the  accident,  whicli 
has  caused  so  much  sorrowful  excitement  in  this  region,  .and  which  I 
doubt  not  will' unnerve  the  public  feeling  to  its  centre  throughout  tin- 
State  when  the  sad  tidings  shall  be  generally  known. 

It  is  known  to  all  who  have  felt  interested  in  our  State  Geography,  that 
there  lately  sprung  up  a  dispute  between  the  Hon.  T.  L.  Clingman  and 
Dr.  Mitchell,  in  regard  to  one  of  the  high  peaks  of  the  Black  Mountain 
put  down  in  Cook's  map  as  Mt.  Clingman.  The  former  alledging  that  he 
was  first  to  measure  and  ascertain  its  superior  height  to  any  other  point 
on  the  range,  and  the  latter  gentleman  asserting  that  he  was  on  that  same 
peak  and  measured  it  in  the  year  1844.  After  several  letters,  pro  and  con, 
through'the  newspapers,  Dr.  Mitchell  announced  last  fall  his  intention 
of  visiting  the  mountains  again  for  the  purpose  of  re-measuring  the  peak 
in  dispute,  taking  the  statements  of  some  gentlemen  who  had  acted  as  his 
guides  on  his  former  Visits,  &c.  Sometime  since,  about  the  middle  of 
June,  I  think,  he  came  up,  in  company  with  his  son  Chas.  A  Mitchell,  his 
daughter,  and  a  servant  boy,  established  his  headquarters  at  Jesse  Stepp's. 
at  the  foot  of  the  mountain,  and  began  the  laborious  task  of  ascertaining 
the  height  of  the  highest  peak  by  an  instrumental  survey,  which  as  the 
former  ad-measurements  were  only  barometrical,  would  fix  its  altitude  with 
perfect  accuracy.  He  had  proceeded  with  his  work  near  two  weeks,  and 
had  reached  to  some  quarter  of  a  mile  above  Mr.  Wm.  Patton's  Mountain 
House,  by  Saturday  evening,  2-£  o'clock,  the  27th  of  June,  at  which  time 
he  quit  work  and  told  his  son  that  he  was  going  to  cross  the  mountain  to 
the  settlement  on  Caney  River  for  the  purpose  of  seeing  Mr.  Thomas  Wil- 
son, Wm.  Riddle,  and  I  believe  another  Mr.  Wilson,  who  had  guided  him 
up  to  the  top  on  a  former  visit.  He  promised  to  return  to  the  Mountain 
House  on  Monday  at  noon.  There  .was  no  one  with  him.  This  was  the 
last  time  he  was  ever  seen  alive.  On  Monday  his  son  repaired  to  the 
Mountain  House  to  meet  his  father,  but  he  did  .not  come.  Tuesday  the 
same  thing  occurred,  and  though  considerable  uneasiness  was  felt  for  his 
safety,  yet  there  were  so  many  ways  to  account  for  his  delay  that  it  was 
scarcely  thought  necessary  to  alarm  the  neighborhood;  but  when  Wednes- 


14 

day  night  came  and  brought  no  token  of  him,  his  son  and  Mr.  John  Stepp 
immediately  .started  on  Thursday  morning  to  Caney  raver  in  search  of  him. 
On  arriving  at  Mr.  Tims.  Wilson's,  what  was  their  astonishment  and  dis- 
may to  learn  that  he  had  neither  heen  seen  nor  heard  of  in  that  settle- 
ment !  They  immediately  returned  to  Mr.  Stepp's,  the  alarm  was  given, 
and  before  sundown  on  Friday  evening  companies  of  the  hardy  mountai- 
neers from  the  North  Fork  of  the  Swannanoa  were  on  their  way  up  the 
mountain.  The  writer,  happening  to  be  present  on  a  visit  to  the  Black. 
joined  the  first  company  that  went  up.  About  eighteen  persons  ramped 
at  the  Mountain  House  that  evening,  and  eontinued  accessions  were  made 
to  our  party  during  the  night,  by  the  good  citizens  of  that  neighborhood^ 
who  turned  out  at  the  call  of  humanity  as  fast  as  they  heard  the  alarm, 
some  from  their  fields,  some  from  wording  on  the  road,  and  all  without  a 
moment's  hesitation.  Early  on  Saturday  morning  our  party  under  the 
command  of  Mr.  Fred  Burnett  and  his  sons,  all  experienced  hunters,  and 
Jesse  Stepp  and  others  who  were  familiar  with  the  mountains,  struck  out 
for  the  main  top,  ami  began  the  search  by  scouring  the  woods  on  the  left 
hand  or  Caney  River  side  of  the  trail  that  runs  along  the  top.  "We  continu- 
ed on  this  way  to  the  highest  peak  without  discovering  any  traces  what- 
ever of  his  passage,  when  our  company  became  so  scattered  into  -mall 
parties  that  no  further  systematic  search  could  be  made  that  day.  Hut 
directly  in  our  rear  as  we  came  up  the  mountain  was  Mr.  Eldridge  Bur- 
nett with  some  more  of  his  neighbors,  who  had  come  from  their  houses 
that  morning;  and  hearing  a  report  that  Dr.  Mitchell  had  expressed  his 

ion  of  striking  a  bee  line  from  the  top  for  the  settlements  without 
Following  the  blazed  trail  way  to  Caney  River,  they  searched  for  signs 'in 
that  direction,  and  soon  found  a  trail  in  the  soft  moss  and  fern  that  was 
believed  to  have  been  made  by  him,  and  followed  it  until  it  came  to  the 
first  fork  of  Oaney,  where  it  was  lost.  Nothing  doubting  but  they  were 
on  his  track,  and  that  he  had  continued  down  the  stream,  they  went  seve- 
ral miles  along  tire  beat  of  the  river,  over  inconceivably  rough  and  dange- 
rous ground,  until  dark,  when  they  threw  themselves  upon  the  earth  and 

1  till  morning.  Mr.  Stepp,  Mr.  Fred.  Burnett  and  others  made  their 
way  to  Wilson's  on  Caney  River  to  join  the  company  that  was'eoming  up 
from  the  Yancey  side,  and  the  writer  and  many  others  returned,  gloomy 
and  disappointed  to  the  Mountain  House.  Thus  ended  the  first  day's 
■search.  During  almost  the  entire  day  the  rain  had  poured  down  steadily. 
tic  air  was  cold  and  chilling,  the  thermometer  indicating  about  44°  at 
noon,  whilst  the  heavy  clouds  wrapped  the  whole  mountain  in  such  a 
dense  fog  that  it  was  impossible  to  see  any  distance  before  us.  It  seemed 
as  if  the  genii  of  those  vast  mountain  solitudes  were  angered  at  our  un- 


15 

wanted  intrusion,  and  had  invoked  the  Storm-Grod  to  enshroud  in  deeper 
"•loom  the  sad  and  mysterious  fate  of  their  noble  victim. 

Sabbath  morning  came,  but  its  holy  stillness  and  sacred  associations 
were  all  unregarded,  and  the  party  camping  in  the  Mountain  House,  now 
largely  augmented  by  constant  arrivals  from  the  settlements,  plunged 
again  into  the  gloomy  forest  of  gigantic  firs,  and  filing  through  the  dark 
and  deep  gorges  struck  far  down  into  the  wilds  of  Caney  River.  Mr.  El- 
dridge  Burnett's  party  returned  about  2  o'clock,  bringing  no  tidings  and 
seeing  no  further  trace  whatever  of  the  wanderer's  footsteps.  Still  later 
in  the  day  Messrs.  Fred.  Burnett'  and  Jesse  Stepp  and  party  returned  with 
some  twelve  or  fifteen  of  the  citizens  of  Caney  River,  having  traversed  a. 
large  scope  of  country  and  finding  still  no  trace  of  the  lost  one.  The  rain 
still  continued  to  pour  down,  and  the  gloomy  and  ill-omened  fog  still  con- 
tinued to  wrap  the  mountain's  brow  in  its  rayless  and  opaque  shroud. 
Just  before  dark  the  remaining  party  came  in,  unsuccessful,  tired,  'hungry 
and  soaking  with  water.  A  general  gloom  now  overspread  the  counte- 
nances of  all,  as  the  awful  and  almost  undeniable  fact  was  proclaimed, 
that  Dr.  Mitchell  was  surely  dead,  and  our  only  object  in  making  the 
search,  would  be  to  recue  his  mortal  remains  from  the  wild  beasts  and 
give  them  christian  sepulture  !  ,  It  could  not  lie  possible,  we  thought,  that 
he  was  alive,  for  cold,  and  hunger,  and  fatigue,  if  nothing  worse  had  hap- 
pened to  him,  would  ere  this  have  destroyed  him.  Alas  !  we  reasoned  too 
well.  By  this  time  the  alarm  had  spread  far  and  near,  and  many  citizens 
of  Asheville  and  other  parts  of  the  country  were  flocking  to  the  mountains 
to  assist  in  the  search  for  one  so  universally,  beloved  and  respected.  On 
Monday  tho  company  numbered  some  sixty  men.  Xew  routes  were  pro- 
jected, new  ground  of  search  proposed,  and  the  hunt  conducted  through- 
out the  day  with  renewed  energy  and  determination,  but  still  without 
avail.  On  Tuesday  the  company  of  Buncombe  men  separated  into  three 
squads  and  took  different  routes,  whilst  Mr.  Thomas  Wilson  and  his 
neighbors  from  Caney  River,  took  a  still  more  distant,  route,  by  going  to 
the  top  of  the  highest  peak  and  searching  down  towards  the  Cat-tail  fork 
of  the  River.  They  were  led  to  take  this  route  by  the  suggestion  of  Mr. 
Wilson,  that  Dr.  M.  had  gone  up  that  way  in  his  visit  to  the  high  peak  in 
1X44.  and  that  perhaps  he  had  undertaken  to  go  down  by  the  same  route. 
They  accordingly  struck  out  for  that  point,  and  turning  to  the  left  to  strike  . 
down  the  mountain  in  the  prairie  near  the  top,- at  the  very  spot  where  it 
is  alleged  that  the  Doctor  entered  it  thirteen  years  ago,  they  instantly 
perceived  the  impression  of  feet  upon  the  yielding  turf,  pointing  down  the 
mountain  in  the  direction  indicated  of  his  former  route.  After  tracing  it 
some  distance  with  that  unerring  woodcraft  which  is  so  wonderful  to  all 


16 

but  the  close  observing  hunter,  they  became  convinced  that  it  was  his 
trail  and  sent  a  messenger  back  some  five  miles  to  inform  the  Buncombe 
men,  and  telling  them  to  hurry  on  as  fast  as  they  could.  The  writer  with 
Mr.  Charles  Mitchell  and  many  others  were  in  a  deep  valley  on  the  head 
waters  of  another  fork  of  the  river,,  when  the  blast  of  a  horn  and  the  firing 
of  guns  on  a  distant  peak,  made  us  aware  that  some  discovery  was  made. 
Hurrying  with  breathless  haste  up  the  steep  mountain  side  in  the  direc- 
tion of  the  guns  we  soon  came  up  and  found  the  greater  part  of  our  com- 
pany watching  for  us,  with  the  news  that  the  Yancey  company  were  upon 
the  trail  we  had  been  so  earnestly  seeking  so  many  days.  After  a  brief 
consultation,  two  or  three  of  our  party  returned  to  the  Mountain  House 
for  provisions,  and  the  balance  of  us  started  as  fast  as  we  could  travel 
along  the  main  top  towards  our  Yancey  friends,  and  reached  the  high  peak 
just  before  dark.  Here  we  camped  in  a  small  cabin  built  by  Mr.  Jesse 
Stepp,  ate  a  hasty  supper  and  threw  ourselves  upon  the  floor,  without 
covering,  to  rest. 

About  1  o'clock  in  the  night,  just  as  the  writer  was  about  closing  his 
eyes  in  troubled  and  uneasy  slumber,  a  loud  halloo  was  heard  from  the  high 
bluff  that  looms  over  the  cabin.  It  was  answered  from  within  and  in  a 
moment  every  sleeper  was  upon  his  feet.  Mr.  Jesse  Stepp,  Capt.  Robert 
Patton  and  others,  then  came  down  and  told  us  that  the  body  was  found. 
Mournfully  then  indeed  those  hardy  sons  of  the  mountain  seated  them- 
selves around  the  smouldering  cabin  fire,  and  on  the  trunks  of  the  fallen 
firs,  and  then,  in  the  light  of  a  glorious  full  moon,  whose  rays  penciled  the 
dark  damp  forest  with  liquid  silver,  seven  thousand  feet  above  the- tide- 
washed  sands  of  the  Atlantic,  the  melancholy  tale  was  told.  Many  a  heart 
was  stilled  with  sadness  as  the  awful  truth  was  disclosed  and  many  a 
rough  face  glittered  with  a  tear  in  the  refulgent  moon-light  as  it  looked 
upon  the  marble  pallor  and  statue-stillness  of  the  stricken  and  bereaved 
son.  and  thought  of  those  far  away  whom  this  sudden  evil  would  so  deep- 
ly afflict. 

It  was  as  they  expected.  The  deceased  had  undertaken  to  go  the  same 
route  to  the  settlements  which  he  had  formerly  gone.  '  They  traced  him 
rapidly  down  the  precipices  of  the  mountain,  until  they  reached  the  stream 
(the  Cat-tail  fork),  found  his  traces  going  down  it — following  on*i  hundred 
yards  or  so,  they  came  to  a  rushing  cataract  some  forty  feet  high,  saw  his 
foot-prints  trying  to  climb  around  the  edge  of  the  yawning  precipice,  saw 
the  moss  torn  up  by  the  outstretched  hand,  and  then — the  solid,  impression- 
less  granite  refused  to  tell  more  of  his  fate.  But  clambering  hastily  to 
the  bottom  of  the  roaring  abyss,  they  found  a  basin  worn  out  of  the  solid 
rock  by  the  frenzied  torrent,  at  least  fourteen  feet  deep,  filled  with  clear 


17 

and  crystal  waters  cold  and  pure  as  the  winter  snow  that  generates  thern. 
At  the  bottom  of  this  basin,  quietly  reposing,  with  outstretched  arms,  lay 
the  mortal  remains  of  the  Rev.  Elisha  Mitchell,  D.  D.,  the  good,  the  great, 
the  wise,  the  simple  minded,  the  pure  of  heart,  the  instructor  of  youth, 
the  disciple  of  knowledge  and  the  preacher  of  Christianity  !  Oh  what 
friend  to  science  and  virtue  what  youth  among  all  the  thousands  that 
have  listened  to  his  teachings,  what  friend  that  has  ever  taken  him  by  the 
hand,  can  think  of  this  wild  and  awful  scene  unmoved  by  the  humanity  of 
tears  !  can  think  .  of  those  gigantic  pyramidal  firs,  whose  interlocking 
branches  shut  out  the  light  of  heaven,  the  many  hued  rhododendrons  that 
freight  the  air  with  their  perfume  and  lean  weepingly  over  the  waters,  that 
crystal  stream  leaping  down  the  great  granites  and  hastening  from  the 
majestic  presence  of  the  mighty  peak  above,  whilst  in  the  deep  pool  below, 
where  the  weary  waters  rest  but  a'single  moment,  lies  the  inanimate  body 
of  his  dear  friend  and  preceptor,  apparently  listening  to  the  mighty  requi- 
em of  the  cataract ! !  Truly  "  Man  knoweth  not  his  time,  and  the  sons  of 
men  are  entrapped  in  the  evil,  when  it  cometh  suddenly  upon  them."    %, 

Upon  consultation  it  was  thought  best  to  let  the  body  remain  in  the  wa- 
ter until  all  arrangements  were  completed  for  its  removal  and  interment ; 
judging  rightly  that  the  cold  and  pure  waters  would  better  preserve  it,  than 
it  could  be  kept  in  any  other  way.  At  day  light  a  number  of  hands  went 
to  cutting  out  a  trail  froni  the  top  of  the  mountain  to  where  the  body  lay, 

,  a  distance  of  three  miles,  whilst  others  went  to  Asheville  to  make  the  ne- 
cessary arrangements.  Word  was  also  sent  to  the  coroner  of  Yancey,  and 
to  the  citizens  generally  to  come  and  assist  us  in  raising  the  body  on  Wed- 
nesday morning.  At  that  time  a  large  number  of  persons  assembled  at 
Mr.  Jesse  Stepp's  and  set  out  for  the  spot,  bearing  the  coffin  upon  our 
shoulders  up  the  dreary  steeps.     We  had  gone  near  ten  miles  in  this  way. 

.and  had  just  turned  down  from  the  high  peak  towards  the  river,  when  we 
were  met  by  Mr.  Coroner  Ayers,  and  about  fifty  of  the -citizens  of  Yancey, 
cuniing  up  with  the  body.  They  had  got  impatient  at  our  delay,  and  en- 
\  doping  the  body  in  a  sheet  and  fastening  it  securely  upon  a  long  pole, 
laid  it  upon  the  shoulders  of  ten  men  and  started  up  the  mountain.  And 
now  became  manifest  the  strength  and  hardihood  of  those  noble  mountai- 
neers. For  three  miles  above  them  the  precipitous  granites  and  steep 
mountain  sides  forbade  almost  the  ascent  of  an  unincumbered  man,  which 
was  rendered  doubly  difficult  by  great  trunks  of  trees,  and  the  thick  and 
toagled  laurel  which  blocked  up  the  way.  The  load  was  near  two  hundred 
and  fifty  pounds  and  only  two  men  could  carry  at  once.  But  nothing 
daunted  by  the  fearful  exertion  before  them,  they  step  boldly' up  the  way, 
fresh  hands  stepped  in  every  few  moments,  all  struggling  without  inter- 


18 

mission  and  eager  to  assist  in  the  work  of  humanity.  Anon  they  wonld 
come  to  a  place  at  which  it  was  impossible  for  the  bearers  to  proceed,  and 
then  they  would  form  a  line  by  taking  each  others  hands  the  uppermost 
man  grasping  a  tree  and  with  shouts  of  encouragement  heave  Up  by  main 
strength.  In  this  way,  after  indescribably  toiling  for  some  hours  they 
reached  tin1  spot.  Here  was  afforded  another  instance  of  the  great  affec- 
tion and  regard  in  which  the  deceased  was  held  1  > v  all.  These  hold  and 
hardy  men  desired  to  have  the  body  buried  there  and  contended  for  it  long 
and  earnestly.  They  said  that  ho  had  first  made  known  the  superior 
height  of  their  glorious  mountain  and  noised  their  fame  almost  through- 
out the  Union,  that  he  had  died  whilst  contending  for  his  right  to  that 
loftiest  of  all  the  Atlantic  mountains,  on  which  we  then  stood,  and  they 
desired  to  place  his  remains  right  there,  and  at  no  oilier  spot.  It  would 
indeed  have  been  an  appropriate  resting  place  lor  him,  and  greatly  was  it 
wished  for  by  the  whole  country,  before  its  being  told  them  that  his  fami- 
ly wanted  his  remains  brought  down.  They  reluctantly  yielded,  and  the 
Buncombe  men  proceeded  to  bring  the  body  slowly  down  the  valley  of  the 
Swannanoa.  Before  leaving  the  top,  the  writer  took  down  the  names  of 
all  present,  and  will  ask  you  to*  publish  them  to  the  world,  as  men  who 
have  done  honor  to  our  common  humanity  by  their  generous  and  disinter- 
ested conduct  on  this  melancholy  occasion.  1  am  no  flatterer,  Messrs. 
Editors,  hut  I  must  confess  that  the  labor  which  these  mountain  men  ex: 
pended  and  the  sacrifice  they  so  willingly  and  cheerfully  made,  is  worthy 
of  all  praise  and  admiration.  May  God  reward  their  kindness;  I  feel  sure, 
the  numerous  friends  and  pupils  of  the  dear  deceased  would  rather  read 
the  list  of  these  men's  names  than  the  "ayes  ami  hays"  of  any  Con- 
gressional vote  that  has  been  recorded  in  many  a  day. 

FROM  YAM'EY 

■  Nathaniel  B.  Ray,  I.  M.  Broyles,  Joseph  Shephard,  Washington  Broy- 
les,  Henry  Wheelers  Thomas  Wilson,  das.  31.  Kay,  I).  W.  Burleson.  G.  B. 
Silvers.  J.  0.  Griffith,  E.  Williams,  A.  1>.  Allen,  A.  L.  Ray,  Thomas  D. 
Wilson,  E.  A.  Pyatt,  D.  W.  Howard,  W.  M.  Astin,  James  H.  Riddle,  Dr. 
W.  Crumley,  G.  D.  Ray,  Burton  Austin,  James  Allen,  Henry  Ray.  T.  L. 
Randolph,  John  McPeters,  W.  B.  Creasman,  8.  J.  Nanney,  Samuel  Ray, 
E.  W.  Boren,  Rev.  W.  C.  Bowman.  J.  W.  Bailey,  Thomas  Silvers,  Jr., 
Thomas  Calloway,  Henry  Allen,  J.  L.  Gihbs,  Jesse  Ray,  James  Ilensley, 
Robert  Riddle,  W.  D.  Williams,  J.  D.  Young,  William  Rolen,  G.  W.  Wil- 
son, John  Rogers,  James  Allen,  Jr.  J.  W.  Ayres,  J.  P.  Pr'esnell,  R.  A. 
Rumple,  W.  J.  Heusley,  I).  H.  Silvers,  R.  Don  Wilson,  Jas.  Calloway. 


19 

FROM  BUNCOMBE. 

S.  C.  Lambert,  William  Burnett,  R.  II.  Burnett,  R.J.  Fortune,  Ephraim 
Glass.  J.  II.  Bartlett,  B.  F.  Fortune,  A.  N.  Alexander,  James  Gaines,  J. 
E.  Ellison,  John  F.  Bartlett,  F.  F.  Bartlett,  Elijah  Kearly,  E.  Clayton,  A. 
Burgin,  Jesse  Stepp,  D.  F.  Summey,  T.  J.  Corpning,  Harris  Ellison,  T.  B. 
13  >y<l,  A.  J.  Lindsey,  Joshua  Stepp,  William  Powers,  R.  P.  Lambert,  Tis- 
dale  Stepp,  Daniel  Burnett,  Thadeus  C.  Coleman,  A.  F.  Harris,  W.  C- 
Fortune,  Fletcher  Fortune,  Capt.  Robert  Patton,  Cooper,  servant  of  Wm. 
Patton,  John,  servant  of  Fletcher  Fortune,  Esq. 

A.  J.  Emmerson,  Chatham  County,  A.  E.  Rhodes,  Jones  County,  II.  II. 
Young,  and  Moses  Dent,  Franklin  County ;  all  students  of  Wake  Forest 
College. 

This  list  does  not  comprise  all  who  assisted  in  the  search,  as  much  to 
my  regret  I  did  not  take  a  list  of  any  but  those  present  at  the  removal  of 
the  body.  I  believe,  hoAvever,  that  the  names  of  all  are  recorded  on  the 
register  of  Mr.  Pat  ton's  Mountain  House,  where  the  friends  of  Dr.  Mitch- 
ell can  see  them  when  they  visit  (as  I  have  no  doubt  many  will)  the  scene 
of  his  death. 

This  ends  my  brief  sketch  of  this  melancholy  affair.  As  to  any  eulogy 
.upon  Dr.  Mitchell's  character  I  feel  myself  unequal  to  the  task.  I  trust 
that  it  will  be  appropriately  pronounced  by  some  one  of  his  learned  and 
devoted  fellow  laborers  of  the  University.  My  feeble  pen  could  add  noth- 
ing to  his  moral  and  intellectual  stature.  I  will  only  say,  that  I  loved  him 
as  sincerely  as  any  one  in  the  State.  I  am  gratified  to  be  able  to  state  that 
unusual  kindness  and  respect  was  exhibited  by  every  citizen  of  the  coun- 
try throughout  the  whole  transaction.  ■ 

Yours  truly,  Z.  B.  VANCE. 


A  FUNERAL  SERMON, 

DELIVERED  IN  THE 

PRESBYTERIAN  CHURCH  AT  ASHEYLLLE, 

ON  THE  TENTH  OF  JULY  1857. 

By  the  REV.  ROBERT  HETT  CHAPMAN,  D.  D., 

A   SOX  OF  THE  SECOND  PRESIDENT  OF  THE  UNIVERSITY. 


Man  k'ndmetii  HOT  ms  time:     *     *     *     the  sons  of  men  ake  snared  in 
AN  EVIL  WHEN   IT  FALLETB  SUDDENLY  UPON  THEM/ — Eccl.  chap.  9,  V.  12. 

What  words  of  truth?  arc  these?  and  how  fearfully  have  they  been  rea? 
li/.ed  in  the  incidents  which  have  convened  us  here  today  !  The  doctrine 
of  the  Text  is,  that  there  is  a  dreadful  uncertainty  respecting  things  ter- 
i-cstial — that  trials,  and  changes,  and  death  are  our  heritage  here— that  in 
our  calmest,  and  even  apparently  in  our  safest  hours,  we  are  but  short 
sighted  and  frail — all  exposed  and  in  peril  ;  and  know  not  what  a  day  may 
bririg  forth!  Children  of  clay,  and  inhabiting  a  globe  of  graves,  we  are 
in  peril  every  hour!  It  is  true  the  Almighty  upholds,  and  we  are  in  His 
hands  !  His  Providence  is  over  us,  but  whether  it  shall  be  afflictive,  or  be- 
nignant— whether  of  the  issues  of  Life,  or  of  Death  we  cannot  tell!  The 
future  is  all  before  us,  but  shadows,  clouds,  and  darkness  rest  upon  it ! 
its  issues,  and  its  events  are  alone  known  to  the  Infinite  !  To  the  Chris- 
tian, and  in  his  conception  there  are  no  accidents- — nothing  fortuitous — ■ 
the  hand  of  God  is  in  it  all;  and  so  it  is  in  point  of  fact  with  us  all; 
whether  we  realize  it,  or  not— God  telleth  off  your  days  and  mine,  and 
those  of  the  entire  race !— as  an  hireling  we  shall  each  accomplish  our 
day,  and  then  pass  on  and  up  to  the  Judgment  of  the  great  God!  Then 
should  we  not  watch?  ought  we  not*  to  be  ready  ?  lest  suddenly  comjng  He 
find  us  sleeping ! 

Man  knoweth  not  his  time!  but  certain  it  is,  that  here,  on  earth,  where- 
ver found  he  is  all  incident  to  suffering — exposed  to  calamity  and  danger 
— the  sure  victim  of  coming  dissolution,  aye  the  certain  trophy  of  Death  ! 
His  leaden  fingers  shall  be  laid  upon  you  and  me,  chilling  the  pulsations 
of  life — His  arm  of  power  snail  be  by  us  felt,  breaking  the  golden  bowl  at 
the  fountain  !— -we  shall  all  experience  his  wasting  influence,  changing 


21 

the  countenance  and  bidding  us  pass  from  Earth  to  the  Spirit  Land  !  but 
when  these  trials  shall  reach  ns  :— -when  we  shall  each  in  our  lot  go  down 
before  the  puissant  arm  of  him,  who  breaks  the  sword  of  valor,  and 
takes  the  diadem  from  the  brow  of  kings—when  the  veil  shall  part  before 
your  spirit's  eye  and  mine,  and  the  gales  of  eternity  shall  freshen  upon 
our  souls,  God  alone  knows!  Sometimes  danger  and  death  show  them- 
selves in  the  distance,  and  with  slow  and  steady  step  gradually  approach, 
Letting  us  know,  that  they  aim  at  us  and  ours,  and  that  their  office  and 
work  is  with  us ;  at  other  times  they  draw  nigh  with  steady  tread — noise* 
*ess,  silent,  unperceived  they  gather  round  ;  their  presence  is  but  recog- 
nized in  their  attack — dn  the  marks  of  their  desolation— in  the  affixing  of 
an  unchanging  seal  which  cannot  be  mistaken,  and  which  can  neither 
be  blotted  out,  nor  broken !  All  may  be  quiet  without,  and  calm  within  ; 
and  there  may  be  no  sense  of  danger,  and  no  fear— but  Death  is  there,  and 
sudden  destruction*  The  veil  of  Eternity  sometimes  parts  as  in  the  twink- 
ling of  an  eye  and  the  soul  without  sign  or  token,  or  note  or  warning,  is 
in  the  spirit  land,  summoned  to  the  presence  of  God,  its  Infinite  Judge ! 
Ah,  Friends  !  the  text  is  true,  "  Man  knoweth  not  his  time."  The  sons  of 
men  are  oftentimes  snared  in  sudden  calamity  ;  there  is  an  awful,  a  fear^- 
ful  uncertainty  as  to  what  is  before  us,  when  we  shall  be  called  on  to  lay 
aside  these  vestments  of  mortality,  and  to  stand  before  Jehovah  God  our 
Judge  !  Then  is  it  not  wise?— would  it  not  be  well  to  have  our  prepara- 
tion work  well  and  early  done,  that  we  may  stand  ready,  and  waiting  for 
the  coming  of  the  Son  of  Man  ?  "  Man  knoweth  not  his  Time— as  the  fish 
•are  taken  in  a  net,  as  the  birds  are  caught  in  a  snare,  so  are  the  sons  of 
men  snared  in  an  evil  when  it  falleth  suddenly  upon  them."  My  Text 
has  been  selected,  and  the  train  of  thought  just  indulged  in,  suggested, 
by  one  of  those  fearful  incidents  of  life  which  alike  startle  and  appall ! 
Tidings  of  them  fall  not  listlessly  on  human  ears,  they  fail  not  deeply, 
and  painfully  to  affect  human  hearts  1  It  is  no  ordinary  death  scene  that 
we  chronicle  ;  nor  is  it  the  departure  from  the  scenes  of  time  of  any  ordi- 
nary man,  that  we  have  met  in  the  Sanctuary  to  meditate  upon !  Elisha 
Mitchell  !  the  loved  and  venerated— the  astute  and  wise — the  man  of 
God  and  Christian  Minister,  lies  low  in  death  !  He  is  no  more  of  earth, 
for  God  hath  taken  him  up  to  the  scenes  of  the  spiritual,  and  caused  him 
to  mingle  in  the  realities  of  the  eternal  world !  His  family  are  bereft  of 
their  Head — no  more  shall  he  guide  them  by  his  counsels,  nor  at  morning 
and  evening  lead  their  devotions ; — the  temple  of  Science  has  had  extin- 
guished in  him  one  of  its  living  lights,  and  taken  down  and  removed  is 
one  of  its  stalwart  pillars  1  The  Church  of  God  and  its  courts  have  in  him 
lost  an  advocate- — a  judicious  counsellor*  and  prized  presbyter!     His  seat 


22 

at  the  family  tabic,  in  the  hall  of  Science,  and  within  the  Sanctuary  of 
G  >d,  have  alike  been  vacated  by  the  sad  event  which  has  convened  us, 
and  which  we  are  endeavoring  spiritually  to  improve]    His  agency  as 

father,  friend,  and  instructor,  and  Christian  Minister  has  ceased  ;  and  no 
inure  shall  we  enjoy  his  converse,  weigh  bis  counsels,  or  go  with  him  up 

tn  the  House  of  GodJ  Ye  reckon  it  in  days  since  some  of  you  enjoyed  his 
sunny  smile  and  kind  hearted  converse,  and  communion!  When  last 
with  him,  aye  when  last  seen  of  mortal  vision,  he  was  full  of  lifi — as 
buoyant  with  hope,  and  had  as  bright  promise  of  future  years  and  useful- 
ness, as  had  any  of  you,  or  your  race!  but  he  is  not — his  summons  was 
Sudden — fearfully  sudden  !  Yours  may  he  as  sudden,  and  not  as 
He  died  emphatically  alone!  Neither  wife  nor  brother  nor  son  nor  friend 
nor  man  was  near!  Amid  mountain  fastnesses,  under  laurel  shades,  and 
with  unceasing  sound  of  moaning  pines  and  rushing  waters,  furnishing 
an  appropriate  requiem,  alone  and  without  human  aid  or  sympathy,  he 
breathed  out  his  life.  Except  lor  efforts  the  most  patient  and  untiring  on 
the  part  of  the  community,  his  death  as  to  its  place,  and  means,  and  time 
would  have  remained  a  mystery  ;  his  grave  would  have  been  unknown  and 
his  body  unsepultured.  There  is  something,  at  once  grand  and  fearful  in 
such  a  death  !  Far  from  human  habitation — amid  the  solitude  of  nature 
— her  works  these  on  the  grandest  scale — it  brings  up  those  mounts  of 
G  >d  mentioned  in  the  Scripture,  Pisgah  and  Nebo,  and  suggests  the  death 
scene  of  the  "ituler  of  His  people"  as  co  u  rewith — Angels  per- 

formed the  dying  offices  of  the  one,  nor  is  it  vain  speculation  to  suppose 
that  in  needful  form  and  sympathy  they  were  present  with  the  other  ;  this 
sure  Word  of  God  informs  us  that  the,-  mini  iter  to  the  heirs  of  salvation  J 

I  have  said  Dr.  Mitchell  was  alone  in  his  death — I  speak  of  earl', 
of  man — I  except  angelic  influences,  and  the  presence  of  his  covenant  God 
and  Saviour  !  He  who  stamped  grandeuron  those  mountains,  and  mi 
out  a  channel  for  those  mire  and  crystal  waters  did  not  in  that  hour  de- 
sert His  servant  but  was  near  him  and  around  him  !  "  J'.;  I  say  too  much? 
what  says  the  Scripture?  "  as  the  mountains  are  round  about  Jerusalem, 
s  i  Jehovah  is  round  about  them  that  fear  Him" — What  says  God  him- 
si  If?  "Fear  not!  I  am  with  thee,  be  not  dismayed!  I  will  never  leave 
thee  nor  forsake  thee  '."  Tell  me  not  of  accidents  !  Speak  not  to  me  of 
second  causes!  God's  hand  was  iu  the  startling  event,  as  it  is  in  all 
events.  He  designs  that  we  should  feel  it,  and  lay  it  to  heart,  and  wisely 
improve  it.  From  that  mountain  side  and  seething  pool  where  they  found 
him  there  cometh  a  voice  deep,  thrilling,  and  loud,  addressing  itself  to 
you,  and  me,  to  all!  Its  language  is  "prepare  to  meet  thy  God!"  Who 
i.can  fail  to  realize,  if  he  will  throw  around  the  scene  one  lingering thuught, 


23 

that  amid  these  frowning  precipices  and  impervious  shades  and  wildly 
dashing  waters,  and  with  death  at  hant!,  it  was  far  more  important  to 
have  been  the  humble  child  of  God,  the  devoted  follower  of  Christ,  than  to 
have  been  the  man  of  gold,  or  of  distinction  and  fame,  or  even  a  sceptered 
king,  with  destitution  of  this  grace  !  Ah  !  the  well  earned  fame,  the  dis- 
tinctions of  our  departed  friend  and  brother,,  have  here  no  power  in  inir 
parting  joy  and  comfort  to  those  who  loved  him  in  life,  and  to  whom  he  is 
doubly  dear  in  death! — their  hope,  and  joy,  and  strong  consolation  is  bas- 
ed on  the  simple  fact  that  Dr.  Mitchell  laid  all  his  honors,  and  loved  to 
lay  them,  at  the  feet  of  Christ  and  around  His  Cross  ! — that  there  he  hung 
his  hopes  of  Heaven — that  there  he  planted  his  expectations  of  Life  Ever- 
lasting !  He  was  an  humble  child  of  God,  and  a  Christian  !  In  that  fact 
there  is  comfort,  joy,  strong  consolation !  When  father,  or  mother,  or 
child,  or  brother,  or  friend  passes  from  earth,  let  me  know  they  are  in 
Heaven,  and  among  the  blood-bought  and  ransomed,  and  I  cannot  unduly 
grieve  !  Who  would  call  them  back  from  their  rapt  scenes  of  angelic 
joy,  and  again  attach  the  chains  of  sense,  and  affix  the  stains  of  sin  to  their 
freed  and  pure  spirits  f  Earth  is  fleeting  and  mingled  are  its  scenes — its 
joys  are  at  best  but  transient !  there  is  no  treasure  worth  securing,  save 
that  which  is  laid  up  in  Heaven!  Moral  victories  are  alone  worthy  the 
effort,  aud  the  energy  of  the  deathless  spirit  of  man  ! 

"  Man  kuoweth  not  his  time  and  the  sons  of  men  are  snared  in  an  evil 
when  it  cometh  suddenly  upon  them !"  This  is  Truth,  and  it  teaches  us 
that  evil  oftentimes  comes  upon  us  in  an  hour  when  we  least  expect  its 
-approach!  The  future  is  all  before  us,  and  we  must  meet  it;  but  its 
scenes  are  with  the  Deity — an  impenetrable  veil  covers  it  from  your  vision 
and  mine — we  tread  at  best  but  a  darkened  path,  and  know  not  our  time 
of  trial !  It  may  occur  in  our  happiest  hours,  and  amid  scenes  of  gushing 
joy  ;  the  cloud  may  gather  and  loom  up,  and  burst  within  an  hour  !  What 
reverses  have  been  witnessed  in  this  changing  world  between  the  rising 
<  f  the  sun  and  the  lengthening  of  its  shadows!  What,  as  in  the  present 
instance  between  the  going  down  of  that  orb  of  light  and  the  breaking  of 
the  day  !  Death  often  steals  on  dying  men  unheralded  —  no  note  of 
warning  precedes  his  approach  !  Some  whilst  pressed  with  care,  engros- 
sed with  business,  and  all  unprepared,  are  hurried  away — others  engaged 
in  the  pursuit  of  pleasure,  and  with  no  sense  of  danger,  suddenly  feel  his 
touch,  stilling  the  pulsations  of  life,  and  bidding  them  up  to  the  Judg- 
ment !  Some  in  life's  morning  and  the  hey-day  of  their  being,  as  they 
fondly  fancy,  with  the  world  all  before  them !  Others  with  hoary  locks, 
and  shortened  steps  !  some  prepared  with  armor  on — with  loins  girt  about, 
and  their  lamps  trimmed  and  burning !     Others  amid  their  course  of  folly 


24 

—the  love  of  sin  unslain,  and  depravity  burning  its  deep  and  corroding 
brand  within  the  bouU     Ah!  it  is  the  suddenness  of  scenes  like  these — it 
is  their  unexpectedness  to  the  individual,  which  makes  them  so  awful  and 
fearful !     Prepared  for  death — girded  for  the  judgment,  and  clad  in  those 
robes  of  righteousness,  which  alone  can  bear  its  living  light;  a  sudden 
death  is  not  to  be  deprecated — with  the  love  of  God  within  the  soul,  and 
the  living  everlasting  Saviour  at  hand,  a  solitary  death  is  not  to  be  deplor- 
ed!  But  unprovisioned  for  eternity  bow  fearful '.  unprepared  for  the  solemn 
interview  with  God,  which  must  then  ensue,  how  tremendously  awful  is  a 
sudden  death  !     Who  would  appear  before  his  Maker  with  the  love  of  sin 
uppermost  in  his  BOul — who  would  thus   appear,   even  united  to  Christ, 
with  the  world  clustering  around,  and  clasping  the  affections  of  the  1 
Not  so!  Oh,  not  so,  would  he   that  is   wise  die!     How  lightly,   friends, 
should  we  esteem  the  thing  of  time,  and  what  priceless  value  should  we 
attach  to  the  interests  of  the  deathless  soul  !      And  yet  poor  man,  in  his 
blindness  and  sin, reverses  all  this!     God  stoops,  and  invites  us  to  his 
arms,  and  to  his  heavenly  hi  me,  but  too  many  busied  with  the  vanities  of 
earth,  and  eager  in  its  pursuits,  Blight  those  rich  treasures  and  everlasting 
joys — turn  away  from  these  offers  of  life,  and  seek  an  heritage  for  time! 
Other  thoughts,  friends,  crowd  upon  me,  but  I  must  hasten!     I  trust 
you  see  and  feel  the  teachings  of  the  text,  enforced  as  they  are  by  the  fear- 
ful incident  which  convened  us  together.     We  are  but  pilgrims  on  the 
shores  of  time  1     Sojourners  on  the  earth  as  were  our  fathers!     Here  we 
have  no  abiding  place — passengers  at  the  best,  we  walk  in   darkness,  un- 
der perils  and  in  great  suspense — the  future  is  all  hidden — we  know  not 
what   a   day   may   bring  forth!     !>o  you  esteem   the    picture   dark  and 
gloomy?  and  ask  what  can  be  done?     I  answer,  trust  in  the  Lord  and  do 
good  !  thus  may  you  fill  up  your  lives  with  acts  of  usefulness,  and  deck 
them  with  deeds  of  Christian  honor  !     Thus  passing  away,  piety  shall  give 
you  the  tribute  of  tears ;  and  the  bosom  of  virtue  shall  send  forth  sighs  at 
your   decease!      Do  you  still    ask,  as   to  what  can  be  done?     I  answer, 
make  Jehovah  God  in  Christ  your  refuge,  and  trust,  and  then  it  shall  be 
well  with  you,  well  with  your  soul!     "lie  that  dwelleth  in  the  secret 
place  of  the  Most  High  shall  abide  under  the  shadow  of  the  Almighty." 
It  is  your  privilege  so  to  live,  and  so  to  bind  the  hopes  of  the  gospel  of 
Jesus  Christ  to  the  heart,  that  you  may  dread  the  grave  as  little  as  your 
bed!     Here  is  the  Bible  of  God — the  great  moral  light  which  teaches  Je- 
hovah's will — presents  the  provisions  of  His  mercy :  with  its  truths  re- 
ceived— with  its  remedies  embraced — with  its  Saviour  believed  in,  and  trus- 
ted on,  you  have  a  stay  which  shall  avail  amid  the  conflicts  of  time — more! 
it  shall  cheer  you  as  you  go  down  under  the  power  of  Death's  arm-flight-1 


25 

Sng  up  the  grave  and  dispelling  forever  all  its  fearful  shadows  !  Earth  [a 
changing  !  but  Heaven  is  stable  and  sure  !  Fix  your  affections  there  !  and 
now  from  that  solitary  place  in  the  wilderness  where  my  Brother  breathed 
out  his  life,  aud  passed  from  earth  ;  aye  from  that  bier  on  which  now  lie 
his  mortal  remains,  there  cometh  a  voice  addressed  to  you,  to  me,  to  all 
present — and  yet  it  singles  us  out  and  addresses  us  each,  and  its  language 
is,  "  Be  ye  also  ready  for  the  coming  of  the  Son  of  man  !  prepare  to  meet 
God  !"  Obey  this  voice,  and  your  death  scene  shall  be  peaceful  as  are  an- 
gelic slumbers,  and  your  eternity  shall  be  passing  happy,  and  supremely 
blissful  as  of  the  riches  of  Jehovah's  grace  !  Thus  prepared  and  panopli- 
ed, when  you  come  to  walk  through  the  valley  of  the  shadow  of  death  you 
shall  have  the  rod  and  the  staff,  the  presence  of  Him,  who  is  the  Besur- 
rection  and  the  Life. 


PUBLIC  MEETINGS. 


MEETING  AT  ASHEVILLE. 

From  tlit  Asheville  News,  July  16. 

It  having  been  announced  in  Aslieville,  on  Wednesday  morning,  Stlo 
July,  instant,  that  the  dead  body  of  Professor  Elisha  Mitchell,  of  Chapel 
Hill,  had  been  discovered  in  the  vicinity  of  the  Black  Mountain ;  pursuant 
to  a  short  notice,  a  large  meeting  <>f  the  citizens  of  Buncombe  county  and 
many  others  from  a  distance,  met  in  the  Court  House  at  5  o'clock  in  the 
afternoon  of  the  same  day,  when,  on  motion  of  Z.  B.  Vance,  Esq.,  Rev. 
•Tarvis  Buxton  was  appointed  Chairman  of  the  meeting. 

Mr.  Buxton,  on  taking  the  chair,  made  some  feeling  and  appropriate  re- 
marks, explanatory  of  t&0  object  of  the  meeting,  and  upon  the  services 
and  character  of  Professor  Mitchell  in  his  relations  to  the  University,  also 
as  a  man  in  his  social  and  domestic  relations,  and  as  a  christian  gentle- 
man. He  said  he  knew  the  deceased  well,  having  been  a  member  of  his 
household  while  a  student  at  College,  and  that  to  know  him  was  to  love 
him. 

On  motion,  John  D.  Ilvman  was  appointed  Secretary  of  the  meeting. 

W.  M.  Shipp,  Esq.,  after  prefacing  with  a  few  remarks,  in  which  he 
bore  testimony  to  the  exalted  character  of  Dr.  Mitchell,  and  his  eminent 
services  in  his  devotion  to  Science  and  Education,  offered  the  following 
resolutions,  expressing  a  desire  that  they  would  be  adopted  : 

1.  Resolved,  That  we  have  heard,  with  the  most  profound  regret,  the 
announcement  which  has  just  been  made,  of  the  sad  and  melancholy  death 
of  the  Bev.  Dr.  Mitchell,  of  the  University  of  this  State. 

2.  Resolved,  That  in  the  death  of  Dr.  Mitchell,  the  University  has  lost 
one  of  its  most  tried  friends  ;  the  Faculty  one  of  its  most  zealous  votaries  ; 
and  the  church  of  God  one  of  its  most  faithful  ministers. 

3.  Resolved,  That  in  the  opinion  of  this  meeting,  it  would  be  highly  ap- 
propriate— should  it  meet  the  approbation  of  his  family — that  the  remains 
of  the  deceased  be  deposited  upon  some  eligible  point  of  the  Black  Moun- 
tain ;  a  place  with  which  his  name  has  been  connected  for  many  years,  as 
the  first  to  call  public  attention  to  its  superiority  in  height  to  any  point 
in  the  United  States,  East  of  the  Rocky  Mountains. 

4.  Resolved,  That,  in  our  opinion,  no  more  suitable  testimonial  of  re- 
spect to  the  memory  of  the  deceased  could  be  given,  than  the  erection  of 


27 

an  appropriate  monument  upon  the  mountain,  with  which  his  name  and 
sad  fate  are  so  intimately  associated  ;  and,  to  carry  out  this  purpose,  we 
ask  the  assistance  of  all  good  citizens  of  the  State  and  the  friends  of  edu- 
cation and  science  generally. 

5.  Resolved,  That  to  the  family  of  the  deceased  we  extend  our  heartfelt 
condolence,  and  the  Chairman  of  this  meeting  appoint  a  committee  of  three- 
persons  to  convey  to  them  a  copy  of  these  resolutions,  and  express  our 
sympathy  in  their  bereavement. 

G.  Resolved,  That  a  copy  of  these  proceedings  be  forwarded  to  the  Presi- 
dent of  the  University,  with  a  request  that  he  convey  to  the  Faculty  and 
Students  our  deep  sympathy  in  the  great  loss  they  have  sustained  in  the 
death  of  their  oldest  member  and  most  experienced  instructor. 

7.  Resolved,  That  the  Chairman  appoint  a  committee  of  six  to  take  such 
steps  as  they  may  think  advisable  to  carry  out  the  object  of  the  4th  reso- 
lution. 

8.  ResolvedT  That  a  copy  of  these  proceedings  be  published  in  the  Ashe- 
ville  papers,  and  that  the-  papers  of  the  State  generally  be  requested  to 
copy. 

Hon.  Thos.  L.  Clingman  said  he  approved  of  the  resolutions  and  hoped 
they  would  be  adopted.  He  added  his  testimony  to  the  eminent  services 
of  Professor  Mitchell  in  his  explorations  of  this  section  of  the  State,  both 
in  regard  to  its  topography  and  geology. 

Rev.  Dr.  Chapman  made  some  eloquent  and  touching  remarks  in  rela- 
tion to'  the  sad  calamity  that  had  called  the  meeting  together. 

Z.  B.  Vance,  Esq.,  being  called  upon,,  narrated  the  circumstances,  as  far 
as  they  had  been  ascertained,  that  attended  the  death  of  Professor  Mitch- 
ell. He  also  said  that  great  credit  was  due  to  a  large  number  of  gentle- 
men, principally  persons  residing  in  the  vicinity  of  the  Black  Mountain, 
for  their  untiring  exertions  to  recover  the  body  of  the  deceased. 

On  motion  the  resolutions  were  unanimously  adapted. 

In  accordance  with  the  5th  resolution,  the  Chairman  appointed  the  fol- 
lowing gentlemen  as  the  committee :  Rev.  Dr.  Chapman,  Wm.  M.  Shipp 
and  James  TV.  Patton,  Esq'rs.  On  motion,  the  name  of  the  Chairman  was 
added  to  the  list. 

In  pursuance  of  the  7th  resolution,  the  Chairman  appointed  the  follow- 
ing committee :  Messrs.  A.  S.  Merrimon,  David  Coleman,  Z.  B.  Vance, 
John  A.  Dickson,  TV".  M.  Shipp,  and  James  A.  Patton. 

On  motion  of  A.  S.  Merrimon,  Esq.,  the  Chairman  appointed  twenty 
persons  to  superintend  the  conveying  of  the  body  of  the  deceased  to  its 
place  of  burial.  The  following  persons  were  appointed :  Z.  B.  Vance,  A. 
S.  Merrimon,  J.  A.  Patton,  R.M.  Henry,  Thadaeus  Coleman,  G.  TY.  Whitson, 


28 

James  Gaines,  D.  F.  Summey,  A.  Burgin,  W.  M.  Hardy,  W.  A.  Patron, 
J.  E.  Pattern,  J.  D.  Hyman,  S.  C.  Bryson,  W.  Morrison,  T.  A.  Corpening* 
and  T.  B.  Boyd. 

On  motion  the  meeting  adjourned. 

JARVIS  BUXTOX,  Chairman. 

Johx  D.  Hyman,  Secretary. 


MEETIXG  AT  CHAPEL  HILL. 

From  the  Chapel  Hill  Gazette,  July  18. 

Upon  Friday  the  10th  instant  very  painful  rumors  of  the  sudden  death 
of  the  Rev.  Dr.  Mitchell,  on  Black  Mountain,  reached  Chapel  Hill.  On 
Saturday  these  rumors  received  somo  confirmation,  and  upon  Sunday  even- 
ing all  doubt  was  removed  by  intelligence  that  his  body  had  been  found 
floating  in  the  Cat-tail  Fork  of  Caney  River,  in  the  county  of  Yancey,  at  a 
point  where  the  water  was  about  twelve  feet  in  depth  ;  circumstances  ren- 
dering it  very  probable  that  he  had  fallen  some  forty  feet,  from  a  preci- 
pice overhanging  the  river.  His  hand  still  clasped  a  broken  branch  of 
Laurel. 

Dr.  Mitchell  had  been  busily  engaged  for  several  days  in  making  Baro- 
metrical and  Trigonometrical  observations  upon  Black  Mountain.  On 
Saturday,  the  27th  of  Juno,  he  had  nearly  completed  these  labors.  During 
that  day  he  separated  from  his  son  in  order  to  visit  Caney  River  Settle- 
ment, making  an  appointment  to  meet  him  the  next  Monday  at  the  Moun- 
tain House.  He  was  not  seen  again,  and  it  was  only  after  several  day's 
search  by  many  citizens  in  that  vicinity,  carried  on  with  ardor  and  sym- 
pathy which  do  them  great  honor,  that  his  bod}-  was  found  on  Tuesday 
evening,  the  7th  of  July,  as  is  above  described.  It  is  understood  that  he 
was  interred  at  Asheville  on  the  10th  instant. 

Upon  receiving  the  above  intelligence,  the  citizens  held  a  full  and  solemn 
town-meeting  in  the  University  Chapel.  On  motion  of  David  L.  Swain, 
Edward  Mallett,  Magistrate  of  Police,  was  called  to  the  Chair,  and  Jones 
Watson,  Esq.,  was  appointed  Secretary. 

The  Chairman  announced  that  in  anticipation  of  such  a  meeting,  he  had 
appointed  the  Rev.  Dr.  Hawks,  who  providentially  was  with  us  upon  this 
occasion,  together  with  Samuel  F.  Phillips  Esq.,  a  Committee  to  prepare 
resolutions  for  the  consideration  of  the  meeting. 

Dr.  Hawks  then  arose,  and  gracefully  alluding  to  his  own  deep  interest 
in  the  community  amidst  which  he  had  received  his  early  education,  con- 
tinued in    a  few  eloquent  and  touching  observations  upon  the  occasion 


29 

which  had  called  forth  this  display  of  feeling,  and  then  submitted  the  fol- 
lowing preamble  and  resolutions: — 

"  Whereas,  It  has  pleased  our  Heavenly  Father,  in  His  wise  Providence, 
to  take  unto  Himself  the  Rev.  Elisha  Mitchell,  late  Professor  of  Chemistry 
and  Geology  in  the  University  of  North  Carolina ;  we  the  inhabitants  of 
Chapel  Hill,  convened  in  town  meeting,  for  the  purpose  of  testifying  our 
respect  for  the  memory  of  a  good  man,  who  has  gone  to  his  reward,— 
leaving  it  to  his  associates  to  render  their  appropriate  tribute  to  his  well 
known  scientific  character,  desire  to  speak  as  his  fellow  citizens,  and  bear- 
ing our  willing  testimony  to  his  worth  as  a  man.  have 

Resolved,  That  in  the  death  of  Dr.  Mitchell,  our  whole  community  has 
sustained  a  loss  not  easily  repaired,  in  the  removal  of  one  who,  resident  in 
this  village  for  forty  years,  has,  during  that  period,  fulfilled  all  the  duties 
of  an  enlighted,  public-spirited  citizen,  with  the  most  exemplary  proprie- 
ty, illustrating  in  his  daily  walk  and  conversation  the  christian  principle 
by  which  his  life  was  regulated. 

Resolved,  That  in  no  one  particular  has  his  example  be-n  more  striking 
than  in  his  universal  kindness  to  the  poor  and  suffering.  Ever  ready  to 
help  his  fellow  creatures,  and  mindful  that  his  Master  went  about  doing 
good,  while  he  ministered  to  the  spiritual  wants  of  the  blind  and  erring, 
he  was  no  less  prompt  in  alleviating  bodily  misery  :  and  the  poor  of  Chapel 
Hill  and  its  vicinity,  who  have  been  partakers  of  his  silent  and  unostenta- 
tious benevolence,  will  especially  have  cause  long  to  treasure  up  the  me- 
mory of  their  departed  friend  and  benefactor. 

Resolved,  That  our  whole  community,  of  all  classes,  gratefully  recogniz- 
ing the  worth  of  an  eminently  good  man  now  removed  from  among  us,  and 
submitting,  in  humble  faith  to  the  dispensation  of  the  Gracious  God  who 
has  seen  fit  thus  to  visit  us  with  sorrow  ;  do  tender  our  Christian  sympa- 
thy and  love  to  the  bereaved  family  of  our  departed  friend ;  and  mingling 
our  smaller  sorrow  with  their  more  grievous  and  heavy  affliction,  do  com- 
mend them  in  our  prayers  to  the  merciful  goodness  of  that  everlasting 
God  whose  chastenings  to  his  children  are  but  proofs  of  his  affection. 

Resolved,  That  the  individuals  composing  this  meeting  will,  as  a  mark 
of  respect  for  the  memory  of  Dr.  Mitchell,  wear  the  usual  badge  of  mourn- 
ing, on  the  left  arm,  for  thirty  days. 

Resolved,  That  a  copy  of  these  resolutions,  duly  certified  by  the  officers 
of  this  meeting,  be  communicated  to  the  family  of  Dr.  Mitchell. 

These  were  seconded  by  President  Swain  who  dwelt  in  terms  of  strong 
eulogy  upon  the  long  public  services  of  the  deceased,  lamenting  over  a  loss 
which  to  himself,  he  added,  was  irreparable. 

Other  remarks,  appropriate  to  the  occasion,  were  made  by  Messrs.  S.  F. 


30 

Phillips,  Sidney  Smith,  Charles  Phillips  and  Jones  Watson.     Thereupon 
the  Resolutions  were  passed  unanimously. 

Upon  motion  of  S.  F.  Phillips,  the  persons  present  went  in  procession 
to  the  residence  of  Dr.  Mitchell,  in  order  to  present  in  person  to  his  fami- 
y,  the  resolutions  that  had  heen  adopted.  This  having  hecn  done,  the 
meeting  adjourned. 

All  the  stores  and  other  places  of  husiness  of  our  town  were  closed  and 
all  husiness  suspended,  during  the  meeting. 


MEETING  AT  FAYETTEVILLE. 

From  the  Argus,  July  18. 

DEATH  OF  PROF.  MITCHELL. 

Tnis  great  man  is  no  more.  By  his  death  the  cause  of  science  has  sus- 
tained an  irreparable  loss — Chapel  Hill  one  of  its  strong  pillars — and 
North  Carolina  one  of  her  noblest  sons. 

As  will  be  seen  below,  he  came  to  his  death  among  those  mountains 
which  had  so  long  been  the  subject  of  his  investigation — a  martyr  to  sci- 
ence. 

Prof.  Mitchell  has  occupied  the  position  of  Professor  in  oar  University 
fur  thirty  years  or  more,  and  has  during  that  period,  established  his  repu- 
tation as  one  of  the  very  first  scholars  in  the  country. 

We  learn  from  the  Standard  that  a  peak  of  the  Black  Mountain  has 
been  selected  for  the  burial  of  Dr.  Mitchell.  This  we  are  rejoiced  to  know. 
No  place  could  be  more  fitting  for  the  last  resting  place  of  the  illustrious- 
dead,  than  those  grand  and  magnificent  Mountains  that  were  so  long  the 
object  of  his  study.  No  more  suitable  monument  could  be  reared  to  his 
memory  which  must  endure  as  long  as  Mountains  stand. 

We  append  the  following  Resolutions  which  were  passed  in  this  town, 
by  the  resident  graduates  of  the  University  of  North  Carolina. 

A  meetiug  of  graduates  of  the  University  of  North  Carolina  residing  in 
and  near  Fayetteville  was  held  on  Tuesday,  July  14,  1857,  W.  J.  Ander- 
son, Esq.,  presiding,  and  Mr.  Geo.  H.  Haigh  acting  as  Secretary. 

The  Chairman  having  announced  the  melancholy  intelligence  on  account 
of  which  they  had  been  called  together, 

Messrs.  W.  B.  Wright,  John  Winslow,  W.  A.  Huske,  W.  H.  Haigh,  J. 
C.  Huske,  R.  P.  Buxton,  P.  M.  Hale,  R.  H.  Sandford,  and  B.  Fuller,  rep- 
resenting different  classes,  were  appointed  a  Committee  to  prepare  resolu- 
tions suitable  for  the  occasion. 

Whereas,  Almighty  God,  by  a  painful  and  most  melancholy  act  of  his 


Providence,  ha?  brought  to  a  sudden  and  sad  end  the  life  of  our  former 
respected  preceptor  and  friend,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Elisha  Mitchell,  Professor  itt 
the  University  of  N.  C. : 

Therefore,  Resolved,  That  we  have  received  intelligence  of  this  most 
mournful  event  with  feelings  of  pain  and  unmingled  sadness. 

Resolved,  That  as  in  his  life  we  have  have  been  made  debtors  to  him  by 
his  faithful  instructions  and  by  his  unwearied  devotion  to  our  best  inter- 
ests, so  now  in  his  death  we  cherish  bis  memory  in  our  hearts. 

Resolved,  That  the  Rev.  Dr.  Elisha  Mitchell,  by  his  great  and  varied 
learning,  by  his  indefatigable  zeal  in  the  pursuit  of  knowledge,  his  spirit 
of  invincible  perseverance  in  whatever  he  deemed  to  be  right,  by  his  devo- 
tion to  the  duties  of  his  profession,  whether  as  a  teacher  of  science  or  as  a 
teacher  of  the  religion  ot  the  Gospel,  by  his  devotion  to  the  interests  of  his 
pupils,  to  the  interests  of  the  University  of  which  he  was  so  distinguished 
a  Professor,  and  by  his  devotion  to  the  interests  of  the  State  at  large,  and 
in  a  word,  by  a  long,  honorable,  and  useful  life  of  incorruptible  integrity 
and  fidelity  to  duty,  has  made  himself  to  be  an  ornament  and  an  example 
to  his  profession  and  to  his  fellow  men  in  general. 

Resolved,  That  in  view  of  the  eminent  services  which  he  has  rendered 
the  State,  directly,  by  the  prompt  and  faithful  discharge  of  particular  du- 
ties assigned  him,  and  less  directly,  but  not  less  effectively  by  his  devotion 
to  the  cause  of  education,  the  deceased  has  entitled  himself  to  a  public 
testimonial  of  respect  to  his  memory  ;  and  we  hereby  pledge  ourselves  to 
assist  in  any  measure  tending  to  that  end. 

Resolved,  That  a  copy  of  these  resolutions  be  sent  to  the  family  of  the 
deceased,  with  an  expression  of  our  sincerest  sympathy  and  condo- 
lence ;  and  also,  that  a  copy  be  sent  to  his  brethren  of  the  Faculty,  and  to 
each  of  the  Literary  Societies  at  Cbapel  Hill,  with  the  request  that  they 
be  filed  in  their  archives. 

The  resolutions  were  unanimously  adopted, 

W.  J.  ANDERSON,  Chairman. 

George  H.  Haigh,  Secretary. 


MEETING  AT  GEEENSBOEO'. 

From  the  Times,  August  23. 
A  meeting  of  former  pupils  and  friends  of  Dr.  Mitchell,  resident  in 
Greensboro  and  vicinity,  was  held  in  the  Court  House  on  Monday  evening 
last,  for  the  purpose  of  giving  public  expression  to  their  feelings  of  grief 
and  sympathy,  excited  by  the  painful  intelligence  of  his  death. 


32 

Hon.  James  T.  Morehead  was  called  bo  the  Chair  on  motion  of  John  II. 
Coble,  and  on  motion  of  It.  M.  Sloan.  Jr.,  Charles  E.  Shober,  E§q.,  wfcs 
appointed  Secretary. 

On  taking  the  chair,  Mr.  Morehead  addressed  the  meeting  appropriate- 
ly and  feelingly  upon  the  mournful  subject  which  had  called  it  together. 
He  was  a  student  at  the  University  when  Dr.  Mitchell  first  became  con- 
nected with  it,  and  had  known  him  intimately  ever  since.  He  was  there- 
fore well  qualified  by  length  of  acquaintance  to  speak  of  him. 

On  motion  of  Rev.  C.  II.  Wiley,  the  chairman  appointed  a  committee, 
consisting  of  Ralph  Oorrell,  Esq.,  It.  P.  Dick,  Esq.,  Jesse  II.  Lindsay,  Sr., 
W.  L.  Scott,  Esq.,  J.  A.  Long,  Esq.,  and  Rev.  C.  II.  "Wiley,  to  prepare 
resolutions  expressive  of  the  sentiments  of  the  meeting.  The  committee 
retired,  and  after  a  brief  absence,  reported  through  their  chairman  Rev. 
C.  II.  Wiley,  the  following  Preamble  aud  Resolutions: 

Wiierkas,  we  have  heard  of  the  recent  death  of  the  Rev.  Elisha  Mitch- 
ell, D.  D.,  late  Professor  in  the  University  of  our  State,  under  circumstan- 
ces peculiarly  sad  and  startling,  and  well  calculated  to  excite  the  tender- 
est  interest  and  sympathy  on  the  part  of  every  lover  of  science,  therefore, 

Resoled,  That  we  have  received  the  tidings  of  this  melancholy  event 
with  emotions  of  profound  sorrow,  cherishing  as  we  do  a  lively  recollec- 
tion of  the  many  amiable  qualities,  of  the  great  and  varied  acquirements, 
and  of  the  long,  laborious  and  useful  services  of  our  lamented  friend  and 
instructor. 

Resolved,  That  we  regard  the  death  of  Prof.  Mitchell  as  a  public  calami- 
ty, long  identified  as  he  has  been  with  the  progress  of  science  and  scien- 
tific improvements  in  North  Carolina,  devoted  to  her  interests  and  her 
honor,  and  for  many  years  an  invaluable  member  of  the  Faculty  of  her 
University,  which  is  greatly  indebted  to  his  zeal,  his  learning  and  his  in- 
dustry for  its  eminent  success  and  illustrious  character. 

Resolved,  That  we  cordially  respond  to  the  suggestion  that  some  fitting 
and  lasting  monument  to  the  memory  and  character  of  the  deceased 
should  be  erected  among  those  stupendous  scenes  amid  which  he  fell  a 
Martyr  to  the  cause  of  Science,  and  that,  to  this  end,  we  will  contribute 
of  our  means  and  influence. 

Resolved,  That  a  copy  of  these  resolutions  be  sent  to  the  family  of  the 
deceased  with  the  expression  of  our  sincerest  condolence  and  sympathy, 
and  that  copies  also  be  sent  to  the  Faculty  of  the  University  and  to  each  of 
the  Literary  Societies,  with  a  request  that  they  be  entered  on  the  records 
of  the  University  and  filed  in  the  archives  of  the  Societies. 

Mr.  Wiley  accompanied  the  report  of  the  resolutions  with  a  few  re- 
marks mainly  explanatory  of  the  manner  of  Dr.  Mitchell's  death  as  he 


33 

had  received  it  from  a  resident  of  the  region  of  country  where  the  painful 
casualty  occurred,  and  then  the  resolutions  were  unanimously  adopted. 

On  motion  of  Julius  Gorrell,  Esq.,  the  newspapers  of  the  town  were  re- 
quested to  publish  the  proceedings  of  the  meeting,  and  then,  on  motion,  it 

was  adjourned. 

JAMES  T.  MOREIIEAD,  Chairman. 

Charles  II.  Shober,  Secretary. 


MEETING  AT  WILMINGTON. 

From  the  Wilmington  Herald,  August  5. 
According  to  previous  notice,  a  meeting  of  the  Trustees,  former  Students, 
and  Alumni  of  the  University  of  North  Carolina  was  held  in  the  Court 
House  in  the  town  of  Wilmington  on  the  29th  of  July,  1857. 

On  motion  Dr.  Thomas  II.  Wright  was  called  to  the  chair,  and  John  D. 
Taylor  requested  to  act  as  Secretary. 

The  object  of  the  meeting  was  explained  in  a  few  feeling  and  appropri- 
ate remarks  by  George  Davis,  Esq.,  who  also  moved  the  appointment  of 
three  to  draw  up  suitable  resolutions  expressive  of  the  sense  of  the  meet" 
ing.  Whereupon  George  Davis,  Esq.,  Rev.  Dr.  C.  F.  Deems  and  Eli  W. 
Hall,  Esq.,  were  appointed  by  the  Chair. 

The  Committee  through  their  chairman,  Dr.  Deems,  submitted  the  fol- 
lowing resolutions  which  were  unanimously  adopted. 

Whereas,  the  whole  State  of  North  Carolina  has  recently  been  called 
to  mourn  the  sudden  and  violent  close  of  the  life  of  Rev.  Elisha  Mitchell, 
D.  D.,  Senior  Professor  in  the  University,  and  whereas  no  other  section  of 
the  State  can  furnish  a  larger  proportionate  number  of  those  who  have 
enjoyed  the  acquaintance  of  the  eminent  deceased,  therefore 

Resolved,  That  the  Trustees  and  former  Students  and  Alumni  of  the 
University  of  North  Carolina,  and  the  friends  of  science  and  of  the  late 
Prof.  Mitchell,  assembled  in  Wilmington,  do  sincerely  sympathise  with  the 
general  grief  which  his  death  has  spread  over  the  country  ;  that  his  great 
abilities,  vast  acquirements,  and  indomitable  industry,  wdiile  they  combin- 
ed to  present  in  him  a  model  to  the  young  men  of  the  land*  did  much  to- 
wards the  elevation  of  the  University  of  our  State  to  that  lofty  position 
which  it  maintains  among  the  very  first  institutions  of  learning  in  Ameri- 
ca :  that  his  contributions  to  general  science  have  given  him  a  respectable 
place  among  the  most  learned,  and  his  special  devotion  to  the  development 
of  all  the  physical  resources  of  North  Carolina  has  laid  the  State  under 
obligations  which  the  gratitude  of  many  a  generation  will  scarcely  avail 
to  cancel. 


Resolved,  That  we  will  unite  in  whatever  plan  the  authorities  of  the 
University  may  adopt  to  perpetuate  the  excellent  memory  of  him  whose 
devotion  to  the  interests  of  the  Institution  through  more  than  the  ordinary 
time  of  a  generation  has  entitled  his  name  to  be  held  in  reverential  re- 
membrance. 

Resolved,  That  a  copy  of  these  resolutions  be  forwarded  to  the  family  of 
the  late  Dr.  Mitchell,  with  the  expression  of  the  most  sincere  and  tender 
sympathy  of  this  assembly. 

Resolved,  That  a  copy  of  these  proceedings  be  furnished  to  the  Presi- 
sident  and  Faculty  of  the  University  of  North  -Carolina,  and  our  condol- 
ence with  them  at  the  great  social  and  official  breach  made  in  their  ranks 
by  the  recent  dispensation  of  Divine  Providence. 

Resolced,  That  these    p.  be    published    in  all  the  papers  in 

Wilmington. 

Dr.  Deems,  after  offering  the  resolutions,  paid  an  eloquent  and  touching 
tribute  to  the  memory  of  Dr.  Mitchell,  testifying  from  his  intimate 
ciation  with  him  as  a  colleague,  friend,  and  neighbor,  to  his  many  gene- 
rous traits  of  character  and  kindness  and  benevolence  of  heart. 

On  rn  >t ion  of  James  C.  Smith,  Esq.,  the  meeting  then  adjourned. 

THOMAS  II.  WRIGHT;,  Chairman. 

■  Joux  D.  Taylor,  Secretary. 


TESTIMONIALS  OF  RESPECT. 


■RESOLUTIONS  OF  THE  TRUSTEES  OF  THE  UNIVERSITY. 

Raleigh,  July  4,  1857. 

At  a  meeting  of  the  Executive  Committee  of  the  Trustees  of  the  Uni- 
versity, at  the  Executive  office  in  this  City  on  the  4th  inst.,  the  following 
proceedings  were  had: — 

His  Excellency  Governor  Bragg  having  officially  communicated  intelli- 
gence of  the  recent,  sudden,  and  melancholy  death  of  the  Rev'd  Dr.  Elisha 
Mitchell,  late  Professor  of  Chemistry,  Mineralogy,  and  Geology  in  the 
University,  the  Executive  Committee,  in  view  of  his  character  as  a  Chris- 
tian gentleman  ;  of  his  arduous,  long  continued  and  inestimable  services 
in  the  Academic  corps,  and  his  distinguished  position  for  the  last  forty 
years  as  a  member  of  the  Faculty,  in  the  administration  of  the  affairs  of 
the  College  ;  in  view  of  his  eminent  attainments  in  literature  and  science : 
his  ardent  patriotism  and  public  services;  consider  the  present  a  fit  occa- 
sion to  express  their  unanimous  sentiment  of  true  condolence  and  sympa- 
thy with  the  widow  and  family  of  the  deceased,  with  the  officers  and  mem- 
bers of  the  College,  and  the  people  of  the  whole  State,  at  the  sad  and 
overwhelming  bereavement  which  we  have  all  sustained  ;  and  in  the  name 
and  on  behalf  of  the  whole  body  of  the  Trustees  of  the  University,  this 
Committee  will  cordially  unite  with  other  associations  and  individuals  in 
paying  enduring  honor  to  his  memory. 

Resolved,  That  the  half  year's  salary  of  the  professor,  for  the  residue  of 
the  present  fiscal  year,  be  paid  by  the  acting  Bursar  of  the  College  to  the 
widow  of  the  deceased,  and  that  her  family  be  permitted  (if  she  so  desires 
it)  to  continue  the  occupation  of  her  present  residence  until  the  close  of 
thi>  year. 

Iced,  That  a  copy  of  the  foregoing  proceedings  be  placed  iu  the 
hands  of  the  widow  of  the  deceased. 

In  consideration  of  the  vacancy  occurring  by  the  death  of  Dr.  Mitchell, 
in  the  Professorship  of  Chemistry,  Miueralogy  and  Geology,  and  the  Bur- 
sar's Bureau  at  the  beginning  of  the  session  just  commencing: 

Resolved,  That  to  enable  the  Board  of  Trustees  to  fill  these  places  per- 
manently, with  judgment  and  discretion,  the  President  of  the  University, 
Gov.  Swain,  be  authorized  and  requested,  with  the  concurrence  of  the 
Faculty  to  distribute  the  various  duties  of  these  several  offices  among  such 


36 

members  of  the  Faculty  as  may  be  willing  to  undertake  them,  and,  if  no* 
cessary,  t<  i  appoint  one  or  mure  tut<  >rs.  That  such  temporary  arrangements 
shall  be  in  force  for  and  during  the  present  session  only;  or,  for  such 
shorter  peried  as  the  Board  of  Trustees  or  this  Committee  shall  hereafter 
determine. 

Test:  CHA&  MANLY,  Sec'y. 


RESOLUTIONS  OF  THE  FACULTY. 

Chapel  Bill,  July  17,  L857. 

At  the  first  regular  meeting  of  the  Faculty  of  the  University,  after  a 
solemn  prayer  to  Almighty  Cod,  the  following  paper  was  unanimously 
adopted. 

WHEREAS,  since  the  last  meeting  of  the  Faculty  of  the  University,  an 
All-Wise  God  has  been  pleased,  by  a  dispensation  the  mure  distressing  be* 
i  a  use  unexpected,  to  take  unto  Himself  the  oldest  member  of  our,  Body, 
the  Rev.  Elisha  Mitchell,  D.  D.,  Professor  of  Chemistry,  Mineralogy  and 
Geology :— bowing  in  humble  submission  to  this  sad  bereavement,  We, 
the  Faculty  of  the  University,  desiring  to  bear  our  testimony  to  the  worth 
of  our  departed  companion  and  friend,  and  enduringly  to  record  our  tri- 
bute to  his  memory,  have  unanimously  adopted  the  following  resolutions: 

Resolved)  That  in  the  lamented:  death  of  our  late  associate  we  feel  that 
the  Institution  to  which  we  belong  has  lost  one  of  the  most  valuable  offi- 
cers she  ever  i  ossessed  ;  and  that  in  the  devotion  of  forty  years  to  her 
service  his  zeal  never  slackened,  his  diligence  never  relaxed,  his  faithful' 
ness  never  slumbered  :  but  during  all  that  long  period,  ripening  constant- 
ly in  experience,  he  consecrated  his  best  faculties  and  varied  attainments  to 
the  advancement  of  the  usefulness  and  honor  of  the  Institution  of  which 
he  was  so  distinguished  an  ornament 

Resolved,  That  we  cannot  but  feel  also  the  loss  that  Science  has  sustain-1 
ed  in  the  removal  of  our  departed  friend.  Pursuing  it  in  various  depart- 
ments and  not  unsuccessful  in  any  that  he  attempted,  the  rich  and  varied 
stores  of  his  well  cultivated  mind  gave  to  him,  deservedly,  a  celebrity  that, 
reaching  beyond  the  limits  of  this  his  immediate  sphere  of  action,  secured 
to  his  name  and  opinions  a  weight  of  authority  that  was  felt  and  acknow- 
ledged by  the  scientific  throughout  our  land;  and  in  the  midst  of  our  re- 
grets it  affords  us  a  melancholy  satisfaction  to  reflect  that  he  met  his  death 
in  the  cause  of  Science,  and  thus,  in  appropriate  keeping  with  the  duties 
of  his  life  has,  in  his  death,  added  his  name  to  the  list  of  her  honored 
martyrs. 


37 

Resolved,  That  our  loss  is  in  our  view  more  sorrowful  still  when  we 
think  of  him  as  the  christian  gentleman,  whose  heart  overflowing  with  the 
tenderest  sympathies  of  humanity,  made  him  the  ever  beneficent  friend  of 
the  poor  and  wretched ;  as  the  minister  of  our  Holy  Faith,  dispensing  the 
precious  truths  of  eternal  life  to  the  sinful  and  wayward  ;  as  the  watchful 
friend  and  faithful  guardian  of  the  young,  by  whom  he  was  surrounded, 
ever  ready  to  speak  to  them  in  gentleness  and  love,  the  wise  words  of 
warning  and  counsel ;  as  the  intimate  companion  and  associate  of  our- 
selves, whose  presence  brought  experience  to  our  deliberations,  and  the 
cheerful  playfulness  of  innocent  mirth  to  our  social  intercourse. 

Resolved,  That  this  our  faint  tribute  to  the  worth  of  Dr.  Mitchell  be  re- 
corded on  our  Minutes  and  that  a  copy  thereof  be  communicated  to  the 
family  by  the  Secretary  ;  accompanied  with  the  assurance  of  the  deep  con- 
dolence and  the  heart-felt  sympathy  of  every  member  of  the  Faculty. 

Resolved,  That  the  Rev.  Dr.  Phillips  be  requested  to  deliver  in  the 
Chapel  of  the  University,  on  Sunday  next,  an  appropriate  Funeral  dis- 
course and  that  the  President  of  the  University  himself  be  respectfully  de- 
sired to  prepare  and  pronounce  before  the  University  an  Eulogy  on  our 
deceased  brother,  at  such  time  as  may  suit  his  convenience. 


RESOLUTIONS  OF  THE  STUDENTS. 

Chapel  Hill,  July  22,  1857. 

At  a  Meeting  of  the  Students  held  in  Girard  Hall,  the  following  resolu- 
tions were  adopted  in  memory  of  the  Rev.  Elisha  Mitchell,  D.  D.,  Profes- 
sor of  Chemistry,  Mineralogy  and  Geology. 

Whereas,  The  All-wise  God  as  part  of  his  inscrutable  dealings  with 
men  has  seen  fit  to  call  our  beloved  and  honored  preceptor,  Dr.  Mitchell, 
from  a  life  of  labor  and  usefulness  ; 

Resolved,  That  we  do  sincerely  lament  his  decease,  and  tender  our  sym- 
pathies to  his  afflicted  family. 

Resolved,  That  in  the  death  of  Dr.  Mitchell,  the  University  has  sustain- 
ed a  loss  scarcely  to  be  repaired  ;  that  we  the  students  miss  a  true  friend, 
Science  an  active,  able  and  learned  follower  ;  and  Religion  a  sincere  and 
zealous  advocate. 

Resolved  That  his  habits  of  laborious  and  patient  research  rendered  him 
a  model  for  every  aspirant  for  honorable  distinction  ;  that  his  great  pro- 
ficiency in  the  departments  of  which  he  had  charge,  admirably  fitted  him 
for  his  office  as  a  teacher  ;  that  his  intellect*  naturally  acute  and  compre- 
hensive, and  by  many  years  of  reading  and  reflection  the  repository  of  al- 


most  every  kind  of  useful  or  recondite  knowledge,  rendered  him  eminently 
an  honor  to  this  Institution  and  to  the  State  ;  that  his  high  toned  princi- 
ples commanded  universal  respect,  and  the  kindness  of  his  heart  made  him 
near  to  all  who  knew  him. 

Resolved,  That  in  token  of  our  high  esteem  for  his  memory,  we  will 
wear  the  usual  badge  of  mourning  for  thirty  days. 


MEETING  OF  THE  DIALECTIC  SOCIETY. 

Dialectic  Hall,  July  24,  1857. 

Whereas,  It  has  pleased  Almighty  God,  by  a  most  sudden  blow  to  re- 
move from  the  midst  of  our  community  the  Rev.  Dr.  Elisha  Mitchell ;  the 
Dialectic  Society,  acknowledges  that  the  intimacy  of  his  personal  and  offi- 
cial relations  with  all  of  its  sitting  members  demands  that  it  depart  from 
the  custom  which  renders  such  obituary  tributes  as  this  appropriate  only 
to  those  who  have  been  members  of  its  particular  organization  ;  the  more 
especially  as  Dr.  Mitchell  was  eminent  among  the  lovers  of  Virtue  and 
Science ; 

Resolved,  That  this  catastrophe,  which  has  caused  a  shock  through  all 
the  domain  of  letters,  occasioned  a  loss  to  this  University,  so  great  and 
peculiar  as  to  call  for  the  deepest  sorrow  on  the  part  of  all  who  have  any 
connection  therewith. 

Resolved,  That  although  none  of  us  had  been  privileged  to  follow  our 
late  revered  Professor  along  those  paths  of  study  which  were  specially 
his  own,  yet  we  desire  to  say  that  we  make  it  matter  of  honest  pride 
that  we  were  Students  of  the  University  during  his  era  ;  that  we  can  re- 
call in  after  life  many  circumstances  of  profit  and  pleasure  in  our  inter- 
course with  him ;  and  record  here  our  obligations  to  him  for  that  high  ex- 
ample that  the  much  absorbed  and  universal  student  need  not,  amidst 
such  pursuits,  divest  himself  of  those  homely  yet  noble  qualities  which 
make  the  benevolent  and  public  spirited  citizen,  the  courageous  magis- 
trate, and  the  humble  and  sincere  christian — that  the  youth  not  only  of 
the  State,  but  of  the  country,  will  in  years  long  yet  to  come,  remem- 
ber him  as  one  who  guided  the  footsteps  of  their  fathers  amid  many  rug- 
ged paths  in  the  search  of  knowledge  and  truth,  and  even  by  them 
will  his  name  be  recorded  with  those  great  benefactors  of  his  race. 

Resolved,  That  upon  the  loss  of  this  their  distinguished  member,  we 
tender  our  condolence  to  our  brethren  of  the  Philanthropic  Society,  and 
pledge  ourselves  to  co-operate  with  them  in  such  manner  for  erecting  a  per- 
manent memorial  of  our  respect  and  gratitude  as  may  be  deemed  suitable. 


Resolved,  That  a  copy  of  these  resolutions  be  filed  in  the  Archives  of 
our  Body  and  that  one  be  sent  to  the  bereaved  family  of  the  deceased  as 
the  last  sad  tribute  of  our  respect  to  his  memory. 

Resolved,  That  we  also  wear  the  usual  badge  of  mourning  for  thirty  days. 

J.  G.  McNAB,  ^| 

J.  G.  MOREHEAD,  Jr.,        V  Com. 

F.  D.  STOCKTON.  I 


MEETING  OF  THE  PHILANTHROPIC  SOCIETY. 

Philanthropic  Hall,  July  26,  1857. 
The  members  of  the  Philanthropic  Society  having  learned  the  sudden 
and  melancholy  death  of  the  Rev.  Elisha  Mitchell,  D.  D.,the  Senior  Professor 
in  our  University  ;  to  express  the  feelings  which  the  sad  event  has  inspired 
us  with,  have 

Resolved,  That  in  the  death  of  Dr.  Mitchell  our  University  and  the  cause 
of  learning  in  our  Country  have  suffered  a  great  and  irreparable  loss ;  that 
we,  his  pupils,  are  bereft  of  a  most  able,  skillful  and  learned  instructor, 
and  have  been  separated  forever  from  a  man  whom  we  admired  and  a 
friend  whom  we  loved,  whose  many  kind  offices  and  wise  counsels  we  shall 
sadly  miss. 

Resolved,  That  we  offer  our  sincere  and  earnest  sympathies  in  this  af- 
fliction to  the  family  of  our  deceased  friend,  and  to  the  Faculty  of  the  Uni- 
versity which  he  served  and  honored  so  long. 

Resolved,  That  our  Society,  of  which  he  was  a  member  and  whose  inte- 
rest he  always  gladly  served,  has  lost  a  warm  and  zealous  patron  and 
friend  ;  and  that  our  members  wear  the  badge  of  mourning  for  thirty  days. 
Resolved,  That  the  Committee  present  copies  of  these  resolutions  to  the 
family  of  Dr.  Mitchell,  and  to  the  Faculty  of  the  University. 

W.  S.  HUMPHRIES, 
ADDISON  HARVEY,    , 
S.  D.  GOZA, 
E.  S.  J.  BELL. 


MEETING  OF  THE  TRUSTEES  OF  DAVIDSON  COLLEGE. 

Davidson  College,  July  16,  1857. 
On  motion  of  Rev.  Dr.  Lacy, 

Resolved,  That  a  Committee  consisting  of  C.  L.  Hunter,  M.  D.,  Rev. 
W.  W.  Pharr  and  Edwin  R.  Harris,  Esq.,  be  appointed  to  prepare  resolu- 


40 

tions  expressing  the  views  of  the  Board,  in  relation  to  the  sudden  and 
melancholy  end,  of  the  late  Rev.  Elisha  Mitchell,  D.  D.,  Professor  in  the 
University  of  North  Carolina. 

The  following  Preamble  and  Resolutions  were  offered  and  unanimously 
adopted : 

Whereas,  The  Board  of  Trustees  of  Davidson  College  has  just  learned 
of  the  death  of  a  venerable  and  learned  Professor  of  the  University  of 
North  Carolina,  the  Rev.  Elisha  Mitchell,  D.  D.,  who  fell  as  a  martyr  to 
Science,  and  whereas  his  name  is  intimately  connected  with  the  building 
up  and  dissemination  of  sound  learning  in  this  State  : 

Therefore,  Resdlved,  That  we  deeply  deplore  the  great  loss  sustained  by 
the  State  at  large,  by  the  Church  of  Christ,  of  which  he  was  an  active  and 
a  useful  member,  and  by  the  Institution  of  which  he  was  a  distinguished 
and  prominent  Professor. 

Resolved,  That  it  becomes  us,  as  a  body  of  Christian  men,  to  bow  with 
reverence  and  humility,  to  this  dark,  melancholy  and  inscrutable  dispen- 
sation of  Providence,  thus  impressively  reminding  us  that  "in  the  midst 
of  life  we  are  in  death." 

Resolved,  That  we  cordially  extend  to  the  family  and  relatives  of  the  de- 
ceased our  sincere  condolence,  and  heart-felt  sympathy  in  this  their  sudden 
and  afflictive  bereavement. 

Resolved,  That  a  copy  of  the  foregoing  Preamble  and  Resolutions  be 
forwarded  to  the  family  of  the  deceased,  to  the  President  and  Faculty  of 
the  University,  and  to  the  Raleigh  papers,  with  the  request  that  the  same 
be  published. 

C.  L.  HUNTER,  ^ 

W.  W.  PHARR,  I   Com. 

EDWIN  R.  HARRIS.    I 


MEETING  OF  THE  FACULTY  OF  DAVIDSON  COLLEGE. 

Davidson  College,  July  18,  1857. 

At  a  meeting  of  the  Faculty  of  Davidson  College  held  on  the  18th  day 
of  July  1857,  the  following  Preamble  and  Resolutions  were  unanimously 
adopted,  viz  : — 

Whereas  the  painful  rumors  which  reached  us  a  few  days  ago  of  the 
sudden  and  melancholy  death  of  a  distinguished  Professor  of  our  State 
University  has  been  surely  confirmed,  we  cannot  refrain  from  some  ex- 
pression of  the  thoughts  and  feelings  so  naturally  prompted  by  the  sad 
news. 


41 

We  regard  the  death  of  the  Rev.  Elisha  Mitchell,  D.  D.,  as  a  public  ca- 
lamity, which  must  fill  all  who  knew  his  eminent  worth  with  the  pro- 
foundest  grief.  Not  only  the  University,  but  the  State,  has  suffered  an 
irreparable  loss  in  being  thus  suddenly  deprived  of  the  invaluable  servi- 
ces of  one  of  her  most  laborious,  ardent  and  successful  instructors  of 
youth.  And  we  have  abundant  reason  to  know  that  there  are  those  among 
the  best  and  ablest  in  nearly  every  State  of  the  Union  who  have  carried 
with  them  from  the  University  the  impression  of  his  high  and  generous 
character  as  a  christian  gentleman  and  scholar,  who  will  mourn  his  death 
as  a  personal  bereavement.  The  church  also,  in  this  general  grief,  sor- 
rows most  of  all,  because  she  has  lost,  in  this  distinguished  philosopher  an 
eminent  christian  minister  and  a  noble  exemplar  of  the  high  and  essential 
harmony  of  Science  and  Religion.  Through  the  whole  of  a  long  life  he 
was  an  assiduous  and  enthusiastic  devotee  of  Science ;  and  to  us  there  is 
something  of  a  melancholy,  poetic  grandeur  and  greatness  in  the  place  and 
manner  of  his  death — whereby  Science  in  burying  one  of  her  worthiest 
sons  has  hallowed  a  new  Pisgah,  which  future  generations  shall  know  and 
mark. 

His  career  on  earth  is  closed ;  and  this  mournful  dispensation  of  Divine 
Providence  brings  forcibly  to  the  mind  of  us  all  the  solemn  admonition  of 
our  Lord,  "  Be  ye  also  ready,  for  in  such  an  hour  as  ye  think  not,  the  Son 
of  Man  cometh." 

Resolved,  That  we  deeply  sympathies  with  the  Faculty  of  the  University, 
of  which  he  was  the  oldest  member,  and  has  been  so  long  an  ornament  and 
pillar,  in  the  great  loss  they  have  sustained  in  this  sudden  and  mournful 
visitation. 

Resolved,  That  a  copy  of  this  paper  be  sent  to  the  family  of  Dr.  Mitch- 
ell, not  only  to  convey  to  them  the  expression  of  our  sincere  sympathy  and 
condolence,  but  to  remind  them  that  though  he,  their  stay  and  guide  and 
light,  is  taken  away  from  them  and  us,  all  is  not  taken ;  that  there  is  still 
left  to  them  an  imperishable  heritage  in  the  good  fame  and  the  wide  and 
distinguished  usefulness  of  this  eminent  servant  of  the  Church  and  of  the 
country. 

By  order  of  the  Faculty.  C.  D.  FISHBURN,  Clerk. 


MEETING  OF  THE  COMMISSIONERS  OF  CHAPEL  HILL. 

Chapel  Hill,  July  13,  1857. 
Whereas,  It  has  pleased  Our  Heavenly  Father  in  whose  hands  alone 
are  the  issues  of  life  and  death,  to  call  from  among  us  our  venerable  and 


42 

much  beloved  fellow  member,  the  Rev.  Elisha  Mitchell ;  Therefore, 

Resolved,  That  we  have  received  with  feelings  of  the  deepest  sorrow,  the 
intelligence  of  his  sad  and  melancholy  fate. 

Resolved,  That  while  we  bow  with  humble  submission  to  the  decree  of 
the  Supreme  Governor  of  all  things,  we  shall  ever  cherish  in  our  hearts, 
the  sentiments  of  esteem  and  friendship,  with  which  his  life  and  charac- 
ter have  impressed  us. 

Resolved,  That  in  his  death  the  Commissioners  and  community  of 
Chapel  Hill  have  sustained  an  irreparable  loss. 

Resolved,  That  we  most  sincerely  sympathise  with  his  bereaved  family 
in  their  trouble  and  distress. 

Resolved,  That  these  "resolutions  be  spread  upon  the  journals  of  the 
Village,  that  a  copy  be  sent  to  the  family  of  the  deceased  also  to  the 
Chapel  Hill  Gazette  with  request  for  publication. 

E.  MALLETT,  Magistrate  Police. 
P.  H.  McDADE, 
H.  B.  GUTHRIE, 
J.  H.  WATSON, 
C.  SCOTT. 


MINUTE  OF  PRESBYTERY. 

Minute  adopted  by  the  Presbytery  of  Orange  at  its  session  in  Lexing- 
ton, N.  C,  October  20th  1857. 

"  Inasmuch  as  it  has  pleased  God  to  remove  from  us  so  suddenly,  by 
a  mysterious  providence,  our  beloved  brother,  Elisha  Mitchell — for  nearly 
forty  years  a  Professor  in  the  University  of  North  Carolina,  having  suc- 
cessively filled  the  Chairs  of  Mathematics  and  Natural  Philosophy,  and 
of  Chemistry,  Mineralogy,  and  Geology — it  becomes  us,  while  we  deplore 
our  weighty  loss,  to  submit  humbly  to  the  stroke  laid  upon  us.  Let  us, 
therefore,  remember  that  we  are  now  taught  in  this  Providence  that  the 
time  is  short,  and  that  no  loveliness,  nor  usefulness,  nor  learning  can  ex- 
empt us  from  the  solemn  call  that  soon  awaits  each  of  us. 

We  recommend  that  a  copy  of  this  minute  be  sent  to  the  family  of  the 
deceased  brother  with  the  hearty  sympathy  of  this  Presbytery. 

WM.  N.  MEBANE,   Ch'n.  Com. 


43 

MINUTE  OF  SYNOD. 

The  Committee  appointed  by  the  Synod  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in 
North  Carolina,  at  its  meeting  in  1857,  reported  the  following  minute  to 
the  meeting  in  1858. 

"  The  Synod  of  North  Carolina  records  with  heart-felt  sorrow  the  loss 
of  one  of  its  oldest  members  by  the  death  of  the  Rev.  Elisha  Mitchell,  D.  DM 
Professor  of  Chemistry,  Mineralogy  and  Geology,  in  the  University  of 
North  Carolina.  Late  in  1817,  Dr.  Mitchell  was  licensed  to  preach  the 
everlasting  Gospel  by  a  Congregational  Association  of  orthodox  faith  in 
Connecticut.  He  was  ordained  to  the  full  work  of  the  Gospel  ministry  by 
the  Presbytery  of  Orange.  His  first  sermon  was  preached  in  the  Chapel 
of  the  University  not  long  after  his  licensure,  and  his  last  in  the  Presby- 
terian Church  in  Salisbury,  a  short  time  before  he  perished.  So  his  ministe- 
rial service  of  nearly  forty  years  was  rendered  altogether  while  in  commu- 
nion with  this  body.  He  was  probably  the  most  learned  man  that  ever 
lived  in  this  State.  He  was  a  skillful  and  conscientious  Professor,  and  as 
such  was  constantly  engaged  in  preparing  for  their  various  walks  in  life  the 
youth  of  the  land.  He  was  a  well-grounded  believer  in  Revelation,  and  no 
common  expounder  of  its  doctrines  in  matters  of  Natural  Science,  as  well  as 
in  those  of  Religion.  The  Synod  gladly  recognizes  the  healthful  influence 
of  his  teachings  upon  the  many  generations  of  his  pupils,  in  that  he  always 
led  them,  by  precept  and  by  example,  to  look  for  the  Lawgiver  of  nature 
as  well  as  for  its  laws.  He  also  preached  regularly  to  them  the  great 
doctrines  of  moral  depravity,  the  necessity  of  an  atonement  by  a  Divine 
Redeemer,  of  regeneration  and  sanctification  by  the  Holy  Ghost,  and  of 
faith  and  repentance  by  each  individual  of  the  one  race  of  Adam.  By  the 
will  of  God,  he  served  his  generation  faithfully  in  his  day,  and  he  was  cut 
off  while  surrounded  with  unfinished  plans  of  usefulness.  This  death 
calls  upon  the  Synod  to  lament  that  Science  has  lost  a  learned,  patient, 
and  devout  investigator — that  Education  must  miss  an  honest  and  accom- 
plished guide,  and  that  Religion  needs  another  faithful  watchman  upon 
the  walls  of  Zion.  The  Synod  also  mourns  for  itself,  the  absence  of  one  who 
was  to  many  of  its  members  a  revered  preceptor,  and  to  all  a  sincere 
friend,  and  a  worthy  co-laborer  in  the  harvest  of  God. 

In  view  of  this  solemn  event  the  Synod  resolves, 

That  while  it  thanks  the  great  Head  of  the  Church  for  its  long  and 
fraternal  intercourse  with  Dr.  Mitchell,  and  for  the  example  of  untiring 
industry,  unfailing  liberality,  unceasing  acquisition,  fearless  conscien- 
tiousness, and  consistent  piety  afforded  by  his  life,  its  surviving  members 
will  so  improve  his  sudden  and  unexpected  death  in  the  midst  of  his  un- 


44 

dertakings,  that,  when  their  work  here  is  done,  they  too  may  leave  behind 
the  savor  of  a  life  spent  in  the  fear  of  God  and  the  love  of  man. 

That  the  Stated  Clerk  of  the  Synod  send  a  copy  of  this  minute  to  the 
family  of  Dr.  Mitchell  as  a  mark  of  respect  and  sympathy  from  his  breth- 
ren in  Christ  the  Lord." 

DRURY  LACY,  Ch'n.  Com. 


THE   RE-INTERMENT 


PKOPOSED  MONUMENT. 


TO  THE  PEOPLE  OF  NORTH  CAROLINA. 

From  the  Asheville  Spectator. 

The  sad  fate  of  the  late  Professor  Mitchell  of  the  University  of  North 
Carolina  is  well  known  to  all.  He  perished  in  one  of  the  wild  gorges  of 
the  Black  Mountain,  during  a  laborious  investigation  which  he  had  under- 
taken relative  to  the  highest  of  the  different  peaks.  Upon  receiving  this 
melancholy  intelligence,  a  large  number  of  the  citizens  of  Buncombe  and 
adjoining  counties  assembled  in  the  Court  House  at  Asheville  to  give  some 
public  expression  of  their  feelings  in  regard  thereto,  when  among  others 
the  following  resolution  was  unanimously  adopted : — 

Resolved,  That,  in  our  opinion,  no  more  suitable  testimonial  of  respect 
to  the  memory  of  the  deceased  could  be  given,  than  the  erection  of  an  ap- 
propriate Monument  upon  the  mountain,  with  which  his  name  and  sad 
fate  are  so  intimately  associated ;  and  to  carry  out  this  purpose,  we  ask 
the  assistance  of  all  good  citizens  of  the  State  and.  the  friends  of  education 
and  science  generally. 

In  pursuance  of  the  object  herein  expressed  the  undersigned  were  ap- 
pointed a  committee  to  solicit  aid  from  the  citizens  of  North  Carolina,  and 
the  former  pupils  and  friends  of  the  deceased  everywhere.  The  family  of 
Dr.  Mitchell  have  given  their  consent  to  have  his  remains  removed  from 
Asheville  and  deposited  on  the  highest  peak  of  the  Black  Mountain,  and 
as  soon  as  the  arrangements  are  all  made  this  will  be  done.  Abundance 
of  granite,  capable  of  being  worked,  is  to  be  found  on  the  very  spot  where 
we  propose  to  erect  this  monument,  and  it  is  thought  that  $5,000  will  be 
amply  sufficient  to  accomplish  what  we  desire. 

In  view  of  the  fact,  that  he  was  the  first  to  visit  these  mountains  and  to 
make  known  their  superior  height  to  any  east  of  the  Rocky  Mountains, 
and  that  he  spent  a  great  portion  of  his  time,  and  finally  lost  his  life  in 
exploring  them,  we  think  it  will  be  admitted  that  no  more  fitting  testi- 
mony of  esteem  could  be  offered  his  memory,  and  no  more  fitting  spot 
found  whereon  to  erect  it.  The  noble  mountains  themselves  will  stand 
his  most  worthy  and  enduring  monument,  but  the  State  of  North  Carolina 
certainly  owes  him  something,  who  has  so  long  devoted  his  best  energies 
to  the  instruction  of  her  youth. 


46 

The  committee  propose  by  this  circular  simply  to  make  known  what  is 
intended,  feeling  coufident,  that  to  the  good  people  of  the  State  and  the 
vast  number  of  old  pupils  and  personal  friends  of  the  deceased,  nothing 
more  need  be  said.  The  plan  of  the  monument  will  be  discussed  when 
sufficient  funds  aresecured  for  its  completion.  They  invite  the  co-opera- 
tion of  the  county  committees,  and  of  single  individuals  throughout  the 
State.  Contributions  can  be  transmitted  to  the  committee  or  any  one  of 
them,  by  any  means  most  convenient,  who  will  deposit  all  such  sums  in 
the  Bank  of  Cape  Fear  at  this  place  to  await  the  making  up  of  the  requi- 
site amount.  All  papers  friendly  to  this  project  are  requested  to  copy  this 
circular. 

Z.  B.  VANCE, 
JAS.  A.  PATTON, 
JOHN  A.  DICKSON,  i 
A.  S.  MERRIMON, 
D.  COLEMAN, 
W.  M.  SHIPP. 


THE  EE-INTEEMENT  OF  DE.  MITCHELL'S  EEMALNS. 


BY  RICHARD  H.  BATTLE,  ESQ. 


From  the  Raleigh  Register,  July  10, 1858. 

On  the  evening  of  Monday,  the  14th  of  June,  the  body  of  Dr.  Mitchell, 
after  having  rested  for  nearly  a  year  in  the  pretty  little  grave-yard  of  the 
Presbyterian  Church  in  Asheville  was  exhumed  for  re-burial  on  the  top  of 
the  highest  peak  of  the  Black  Mountain.  Encased  in  coffins  of  wood  and 
metal  it  was  laid  at  the  foot  of  a  large  Oak  tree,  preparatory  to  its  removal 
the  following  morning.  It  was  entrusted  to  the  care  of  several  energetic, 
able-bodied  mountaineers,  whose  zeal  in  performing  the  laborious  task  as- 
signed them  is  worthy  of  high  commendation.  From  the  dawn  of  day  on 
the  15th,  till  a  full  hour  after  darkness  had  settled  down  on  the  sides  of 
the  Black,  and  from  a  very  early  hour  till  near  midday  on  the  16th,  they 
were  at  work  with  scarcely  a  minute  of  rest  or  relaxation. 

From  the  nature  of  the  road,  by  which  the  top  of  Mt.  Mitchell  was  to  be 
reached,  it  was  hardly  practicable  that  a  regular  procession  should  attend 
the  body ;  but  many  citizens  of  the  town  and  visitors  from  a  distance — 
among  the  latter,  the  venerable  Bishop  of  the  diocese  of  Tennessee,  the  dis- 
tinguished President  of  the  University,  and  Messrs.  Ashe  and  Mitchell,  the 


47 

son-in-law  and  son  of  him  we  had  met  to  honor — some  in  vehicles  and 
others  on  horseback,  left  Asheville  between  8  and  9  o'clock,  a.  m.,  seve- 
ral hours  after  the  corpse  had  been  taken  from  its  former  resting  place. 
It  being  only  twenty  miles  to  Mr.  Stepp's,  a  place  of  accommodation  at  the 
foot  of  the  Black,  we  easily  reached  it  in  time  to  refresh  ourselves  with  a 
good  dinner,  and  a  rest  to  prepai-e  us  for  the  more  toilsome  portion  of  our 
journey.  The  vehicles  hitherto  used  being  here  dispensed  with  and  bridles 
and  saddles  substituted  in  their  place  and  animals  being  hired  by  those 
of  us  who  had  not  provided  ourselves  upon  leaving  the  village,  the  upward 
journey  was  begun  about  3  o'clock  in  the  afternoon.  By  a  few,  of  prefer- 
ence or  necessity,  the  ascent  was  made  on  foot ;  but  much  the  greater  num- 
ber were  mounted  on  surefooted  horses  or  mules. 

The  winding  of  the  road  up  the  steep  sides  of  the  mountain,  to  make 
the  climbing  possible  for  man  and  beast,  gave  to  the  long  line  of  horsemen 
quite  a  striking  appearance.  Those  in  front  seemed  often  to  be  going  in  a 
direction  just  opposite  to  that  of  those  in  their  rear  and  the  line  was  con- 
stantly assuming  the  form  of  the  letter  S.  It  was  to  one  at  a  litle  distance 
a  sight  strange  and  picturesque,  viewed  in  connection  with  the  surround- 
ing beauties  of  mountain  scenery — the  majestic  oaks  and  chestnut  trees, 
the  undergrowth  of  mountain  laurel  and  ivy  and  the  large  red  and  yel- 
low honey-suckles,  the  overhanging  rocks  and  the  little  brooks,  fresh  from 
the  springs  a  few  yards  higher  up,  that  met  us  at  every  turn.  At  the  ex- 
piration of  about  the  fourth  hour  from  the  time  of  starting  we  had  made 
but  five  miles,  but  half  the  distance  from  the  base  to  the  summits  and  reach- 
ed the  "Mountain  House"  a  little  before  sunset.  This  is  what  may  be 
called  a  Summer  Hotel  and  is  from  its  situation  a  somewhat  singular  place 
of  entertainment,  standing,  as  it  does,  on  or  rather  against,  the  side  of  the 
mountain  at  a  point  where,  in  some  directions  the  declivity  is  very  preci- 
pitous. It  was,  I  believe,  built  at  the  expense  of  a  wealthy  citizen  of 
Charleston,  S.  C,  Mr.  Wm.  Patton,  (lately  deceased),  who  was  himself  in 
former  years  an  occasional  tenant  during  the  heats  of  Summer.  The  furi- 
ous winds  of  Winter  and  the  driving  rain  storms  of  the  Spring  would  de- 
ter the  stoutest  heart  from  making  it  a  permanent  habitation.  It  is  there- 
fore left  to  the  mercy  of  the  elements  for  six  or  eight  months  of  the  year 
and  was  untenanted  at  the  time  of  our  visit. 

It  may  not  be  amiss  here  to  remark,  that  near  the  Mountain  House  is 
first  observed  the  change  in  the  character  of  the  growth  on  the  mountain 
that  constitutes  its  distinguishing  feature.  The  trees  and  shrubs  before 
mentioned  as  overhanging  the  first  half  of  our  winding  road,  at  this  point, 
and  the  corresponding  altitude  on  all  sides  of  the  Black,  give  place  to  the 
Balsam,    which   is   the   exclusive   growth   of  the   mountain  tops.     It  is 


48 

the  dark  green  of  this  tree  as  seen  from  a  distance  that  has  given  the  name 
of  "  the  Black  "  to  this  mountain  or  rather  to  this  long  range  of  peaks.  It 
would  be  too  much  of  a  digression  to  enumerate  the  many  uses  to  -which 
this  tree,  with  the  resin  it  exudes,  is  put  by  the  people  living  about  the 
mountain  for  many  miles  from  its  base. 

The  kind  hospitality  of  some  of  the  relatives  of  Mr.  Patton,  the  proprie- 
tor, had  procured  for  us  the  keys  of  the  hotel,  and  made  all  our  large  com- 
pany free  to  enter  at  pleasure  every  apartment  from  cellar  to  garret,  and 
select  their  places  for  sleeping.  To  the  same  gentlemen  and  to  Dr.  Boyd 
of  the  "  Eagle  Hotel,"  Asheville,  we  owed  the  means  of  satisfying  a  crav- 
ing appetite,  the  necessary  consequence  of  the  continuous  exercise  we  had 
taken.  Our  numbers  making  sitting  impracticable,  we  ate  standing  a  pri- 
meval meal ;  using  our  hands  and  fingers  as  plates  and  forks,  and  I  might 
add,  spoons.  "We  were  glad  to  find  in  hot  coffee,  which  we  swallowed  with 
avidity  without  milk  or  cream,  an  effective  sedative  to  nerves  which  the 
cold  piercing  air  of  our  great  altitude  was  rapidly  unsettling. 

In  the  meanwhile  those  in  charge  of  the  body  were  toiling  slowly  up- 
ward. In  many  places,  the  oxen  drawing  a  sled,  upon  which  it  had  been 
placed,  became  useless  in  consequence  of  the  muddiness  or  steepness  of 
the  way  and  for  short  distances  the  corpse  was  carried  on  the  shoulders  of 
the  mountaineers.  It  was  after  nine  o'clock,  and  many  of  our  company 
had  retired  for  the  night  before  they  arrived.  One  by  one,  tired,  wet, 
muddy  and  chilled,  these  worthy  men  came  in,  seeking  a  share  of  the  sup- 
per of  which  we  had  partaken  and  the  pallets  we  had  spread  upon  the 
floors.  It  was  late  before  the  house  was  quiet  and  even  then,  as  thoughts 
of  the  novelty  of  our  situation  and  of  the  mournful  purpose  for  which  we 
were  there  ;  besides  occasional  whispers  from  some  one  more  awake  than  the 
rest ;  and  the  wintry  state  of  the  atmosphere — which  not  the  blazing  fires 
on  our  hearths,  the  thick  blankets  in  which  we  were  wrapped,  nor  the 
animal  heat  diffused  from  the  bodies  of  so  many  room-mates  could  entire- 
ly dispel — all  served  to  prevent  our  falling  asleep  for  some  time. 

An  early  start,  after  a  hasty  breakfast  on  the  remnants  of  the  supper  of 
the  preceding  evening  and  securing  the  animals  turned  loose  to  shift  for 
themselves  during  the  night,  enabled  most  of  us  from  the  Buncombe  side 
to  reach  the  top  of  Mt.  Mitchell  before  9  o'clock.  While  awaiting  the 
commencement  of  the  ceremonies  we  had  several  hours  in  which  to  enjoy 
the  magnificent  prospeet  our  lofty  elevation  afforded  us.  The  cold  mists 
that  at  first  enveloped  the  tops  of  the  mountain  were  gradually  dispersed 
by  the  sun  as  he  rose  higher  in  the  heavens,  and  then  was  revealed  to  us 
a  grander  scene  than  it  had  ever  before  been  our  lot  to  behold.  The  ma- 
jestic heights  of  the  peaks  that  with  Mt.   Mitchell  rise  from  a  common 


49 

base;  the  Blue  Ridge  in  the  distance;  the  deep  frightful  gorges  on  all 
sides  below  us,  growing  every  moment  more  distinct  as  we  gazed  upon 
them  and  pictured  to  ourselves  the  fall  and  death  of  the  old  friend  we 
were  then  to  bury  ;  the  river  winding  with  their  silver  streams  in  every 
direction  from  their  little  sources  in  the  recesses  of  the  mountains  ;  the 
beautiful  farms  with  their  golden  harvests,  cultivated  spots  amid  the 
boundless  wilderness  of  trees  ;  the  light  fleecy  clouds  dotting  the  horrizon  ; 
and  the  blue  sky  above ;  all  formed  a  picture  that  any  one  not  entirely  de- 
void of  a  taste  for  the  beautiful  in  nature  could  not  fail  to  gaze  upon  with 
feelings  of  silent  admiration. 

In  the  meantime  the  sturdy  mountaineers  of  Yancey  were  assembling  in 
great  numbers.  They,  many  with  their  wives  and  daughters,  had  toiled 
up  the  long  and  steep  ascent  to  witness  the  burial  of  the  friend,  who  near- 
ly a  quarter  of  a  century  before,  endeared  himself  to  them  while  laboring 
to  ascertain  the  height  of  their  famous  mountain  and  explore  its  hidden 
recesses,  who  had  died  amongst  them  while  verifying  the  results  of  those 
former  labors  and  who  was  found  by  them  at  the  bottom  of  his  watery 
grave.  A  stranger  did  not  require  words  from  them  to  know  how  they 
loved  him  while  living  and  cherished  his  memory  after  death.  They  had 
not  long  to  wait ;  for  the  body,  kept  with  much  difficulty  in  its  place  on  the 
sled,  as  the  oxen  made  their  way  over  the  miry  road  and  slippery  roots 
was  drawing  near  its  final  resting-place.  At  the  foot  of  the  steep  knoll 
that  forms  the  summit,  the  oxen  and  sled  were  finally  dispensed  with,  and 
a  friendly  emulation  was  displayed  by  the  Yancey  Mountaineers  in  offering 
their  broad  shoulders  to  support  the  corpse. 

R.  D.  Wilson,  Esq.,  of  Yancey,  being  requested  to  act  as  Marshall,  here 
formed  a  procession  in  the  following  order : 

Citizens  of  Buncombe. 

Citizens  of  Yancey. 

Students  of  the  University. 

THE  CORPSE. 

Family  of  the  Deceased. 

Trustees  and  Faculty  of  the  University. 

The  President  and  Rt.  Rev.  Orator. 

Upon  reaching  the  summit  of  the  Mountain,  the  lines  in  front  of  the 

the  Corpse  were  opened  and  the  procesion  in  reversed  order  advanced  to 

the  grave,  Bishop  Otey  reading  the  impressive  service  of  the  Episcopal 

Church  for  the  Burial  of  the  Dead.     Arrived  at  the  brink  of  the  grave,  a 

necessarily  shallow  one  dug  mostly  through  rock,  the  body  was  lowered  ; 

and  the  Bishop,  from  a  desk  formed  of  a  stone  taken  from  the  grave,  deli* 

vered  a  funeral  address  to  an  audience  that  stood  or  sat  with  heads  reve- 


50 

rently  uncovered.  When  it  is  remembered  that  with  great  inconvenience 
and  trouble  and  upon  very  short  notice  the  Bishop  had  come  from  his  dis- 
tant home  on  the  banks  of  the  Mississippi,  every  one  is  assured  that  he 
spoke  the  truth  when  he  said,  that  gratitude  and  love  caused  him  to  be 
there  to  pay  the  last  honors  to  the  instructor  and  friend  of  his  youth — 
surely  such  a  tribute  to  friendship  has  been  seldom  offered  in  this  selfish 
world.  We  scarcely  knew  whom  more  to  admire — him  who  inspired,  or 
him  who  felt  such  undying  friendship — him  who  was  eulogized  or  him 
who  spoke  the  eulogy. 

Upon  motion  of  Gov.  Swain  a  vote  of  thanks,  that  seemed  to  come  from 
the  inmost  heart  of  the  audience,  and  a  request  for  a  copy  of  the  address 
for  publication  were  unanimously  adopted  and  were  but  a  feeble  testimony 
to  the  general  appreciation  of  it.  Though  composed  chiefly  of  people  of 
the  surrounding  counties,  Mountaineers,  whose  lives  had  been  spent  far 
from  schools  and  academies  of  learning,  the  whole  assembly  seemed  most 
deeply  interested  and  impressed.  And  when  the  Rt.  Rev.  Orator  spoke  of 
the  zealous  and  untiring  labors  of  his  departed  friend,  for  forty  years,  in 
the  cause  of  religion  and  science  and  in  the  instruction  of  hundreds  of 
the  youth  of  this  State — of  all  the  Southern  States,  and  of  his  tragic  death 
in  verifying  in  his  old  age  measurements  and  observations  made  by  him 
on  that  mountain  long  years  before.  I  am  sure  there  was  not  one  of  his 
hearers  too  young  or  too  ignorant  to  feel  that  in  the  death  of  Dr.  Mitchell, 
North  Carolina  lost  one  of  her  noblest  sons,  one  of  her  brightest  ornaments. 

The  able  President  of  our  University  then,  after  paying  a  graceful  com- 
pliment to  the  address  we  had  so  much  admired,  in  words  eloquent  though 
unstudied,  added  his  testimony  to  the  truth  and  justice  of  its  eulogy  ;  and 
alluding  to  the  eminent  appropriateness  of  the  place  of  burial  he  expressed 
an  intention  on  the  part  of  himself  and  his  friend  N.  W.  Woodfin,  Esq.,  of 
Asheville,  as  owners,  to  present  the  ground  on  which  they  stood,  the  top 
of  the  high  peak,  to  the  Trustees  of  the  University  on  condition  that  it 
shall  be  called  Mt.  Mitchell — alleging  very  truly,  that  the  right  of  proper- 
ty is  not  more  theirs  than  the  right  to  give  it  a  name.  Of  the  propriety 
of  this  name,  it  seems  to  me,  no  one  who  has  had  the  opportunity  as  we 
had  on  that  accasion  of  interrogating  Dr.  Mitchell's  guides  to  the  different 
peaks  in  1835,  can  entertain  the  slightest  doubt.  If  the  word  of  man,  cor- 
roborated by  independent  circumstances,  is  to  be  believed,  Dr.  Mitchell 
was  on  the  summit  on  which  his  remains  now  rest,  with  William  Wilson  and 
Adoniran  Allen  in  1835. 

At  the  conclusion  of  ex-Governor  Swain's  address,  which  was  extempo- 
raneous, James  W.  Patton,  Esq.,  moved  that  he  be  requested  to  write  it 
out  for  publication  ;  and  R.  Don  Wilson,  Esq.,'of  Yancey,  Col.  Washington 


51 

Hardy,  of  Buncombe,  ami  J.  W.  Graham  of  the  University  were  appoint- 
ed a  committee  to  confer  with  him  and  with  Bishop  Otey,  and  to  urge 
most  earnestly  the  permission  to  publish  their  several  addresses. 

To  these  solicitations  I  was  happy  to  learn  neither  of  the  distinguished 
speakers  considered  himself  at  liberty  to  turn  a  deaf  ear,  and  consent  was 
given  that  the  public  should  have  in  print,  what  was  so  edifying  to  us  who 
were  present  at  the  delivery.  Though  they  have  not  the  propitious  acces- 
sories of  the  occasion — the  top  of  the  lofty  mountain,  the  open  grave,  the 
body  of  the  departed,  the  tone  of  the  speakers  and  the  mournful  faces  of 
the  listening  hearers,  to  heighten  the  effect  of  what  was  said,  I  feel  confi- 
dent that  the  general  appreciation  of  it  will  be  akin,  if  not  equal  to  ours. 

It  is  a  coincidence  not  unworthy  of  remark,  that  on  Mt.  Mitchell,  in  the 
persons  of  Bishop  Otey  and  his  respected  friend  and  class-mate  Dr.  Thc- 
mas  II.  Wright  of  Wilmington,  and  of  Mr.  Graham  and  Mr.  Mitchell  the  be- 
loved son  of  the  departed,  were  here  to  mourn  at  his  funeral,  members  of 
the  first  and  of  the  last  class  that  Dr.  Mitchell  instructed  at  the  University. 


MOUNT  MITCHELL— JUNE  16,  1858. 


From  the  University  Magazine. 

Proud  Peak  !  so  sternly  rising  'mid  the  smiling  heaven — 
Thy  haughty  brow  by  thunderbolts  and  tempests  riven, 
Dark  bristling  with  thy  jagged  pines,  like  warriors  mailed, 
And  beetling  crags  where  erst  unharmed  have  eagles  sailed, 
Among  thy  giant  brothers  grim,  without  a  peer ; 
Thy  solitudes  unwaked  from  rolling  year  to  year, 
By  man,  or  aught,  save  howling  storms  or  brutes  of  dread ; 
To-day,  how  thou  must  marvel  at  th'  unwonted  tread 
Of  those  who  climb  thy  heights,  and  cloud-throned  summit  scale, 
To  chant  o'er  Science'  martyred  son  the  funeral  wail. 

Oh,  haughtiest  ingrate ! — to  prove  thy  pride  and  place, 
E'en  o'er  proud  Washington,  king  of  the  mountain  race  ; 
This  was  his  eager  wish  from  year  to  year  pursued — 
And  with  his  blood  thy  cruel  clutches  thou'st  imbued  ! 
Rock-hearted  type  of  Pride,  thou  would' st  undoubted  claim, 
By  search  or  measure  true,  of  king  the  rank  and  name  ! 
Oh  hateful  cliff,  from  whose  rough,  treacherous,  wildering  height, 


52 

The  kind  and  wise  old  man  fell  on  that  saddest  night, 

Sweet  stream  beneath  !  whose  pitying  bosom  took  him  in, 

As  down,  down,  down,  with  headlong  crash  and  horrid  din 

Of  hurtling  stones  around  he  fell,  and  none  was  nigh 

To  hear,  for  help  his  last,  heart-thrilling,  gasping  cry. 

Uproot  the  frail,  weak,  Laurel  tree  to  which  he  clung  ; 

False  herb  !  a  precious  life  in  truth  upon  thee  hung 

That  night,  as  oft  it  has  on  thy  poetic  meed — 

Alas  !  thou'rt  ever  but  the  broken,  piercing  reed  ! 

What,  though  it  mocked  his  dying  grasp,  the  treacherous  laurel  bough, 

Fame's  self  he'd  won,  and  needed  not  the  emblem  now. 

A  crown  of  glory  shall  be  his  beyond  the  grave 

O'er  which  his  well-earned  earthly  laurels  fadeless  wave. 

Sleep,  good  and  kindly  man,  in  this  thy  tomb  sublime : 

Such  was  thy  wish,  here  to  await  the  end  of  time. 

Honored  wherever  Science  lifts  her  searching  eye, 

Loved  in  thy  classic  home  thy  memory  cannot  die  ! 

And  Otey,  who  o'er  thy  pale,  cherished  form,  doth  say 
The  last  fond  words  that  loving,  honoring  lips  e'er  may  ; 
Well  may  he  feel  the  spell  of  place  upon  him  now ; 
For  he  is  mountain-born.     Lo  !  on  his  glorious  brow 
High  thoughts  inspired  fleet  on,  as  storm  and  sunshine  chase 
Each  other  o'er  the  calm,  uplifted,  mountain's  face. 
Thou'rt  like  to  Saul  amidst  his  brothers;  he  like  each, 
And  like  thy  far-off  heights,  his  lofty  soarings  reach,' 
Far,  far  beyond  the  aching  sight  and  easy  ken, 
Of  most  who  walk  this  earth  and  bear  the  names  of  men. 

On  dark,  blue,  Otter's  rounded  peak,  oft  hath  he  said, 
"  Make  thou,  my  well  beloved,  my  last  and  lonely  bed:" 
But  oh  !  may  God,  the  Merciful,  forbid  that  thou 
Shouldst  find  a  martyr's  grave,  as  he  we  mourn  o'er  now. 
Yet  what  more  noble,  worthy,  death  may  be  desired  ? 
The  great,  the  good,  he  long  pursued — achieved — expired. 

True  nobleman  of  nature  thou — gentle,  yet  firm, 
Honored  to  terror's  verge  by  scholars  through  the  term  ; 
But  like  a  brother  loved,  when  college  rule  was  done ; 
The  master  so  august,  and  genial  friend  in  one. 
Oh,  noble  Mitchell  !  thy  revered  and  cherished  name 
Old  Chapel  Hill  deems  sweetest  heritage  of  fame. 


53 

Oh !  tender,  loving  ones  of  his  dear  home  embalm 
His  memory  with  sighs  ye  must ;  but  seek  for  calm 
In  all  the  good  he  living,  did ;  and  dying,  paid 
His  life — upon  the  shrine  of  zeal  in  duty  laid. 

Dark  mountain  king !  baptized  with  sacrificial  blood, 
Mt.  Mitchell  now.     Gained  by  this  broad  and  easy  road, 
Black  Peak,  no  longer  frownin g  unattained  and  wild, 
Love  hath  subdued  thee  to  the  footsteps  of  a  child : 
A  monument  to  that  immortal  power,  thou'rt  given 
To  man,  by  Him  who  made  and  ruleth  Earth  and  Heaven. 

y.  o.  m. 

Eichmond,  Va.,  June  16,  1858. 


"That  'tis  Maris  highest  glory  TO  BE  GOOD." 


A  FUNERAL  ORATION 

AT  THE 

RE-INTERMENT  OF  THE  REMAINS 

OF  THE 

REV.  ELISHA  MITCHELL,  D.  D. 

LATE    PROFESSOR   OF 
CHEMISTRY,  MINERALOGY  AND  GEOLOGY  IN  THE 

UNIVERSITY  OF  WORTH  CAROLINA. 

ON  MOU1ST   MITCHELL, 
JUNE  15,  1858. 

BY    THE 

RT.  REV.  JAMES  H.  OTEY,  D,  D., 

BISHOP  OP  TENNESSEE. 


CHAPEL  HILL : 
PUBLISHED  BY  J.  M.  HENDERSON. 

PRINTER    TO   THE  UNIVERSITY. 

1858. 


A  FUNERAL  ORATION. 


Who  needs  to  be  told,  in  the  midst  of  the  awe-inspiring 
scenes  of  grandeur  which  here  surround  us,  that  "  God  on- 
ly is  great  ?"  "  There  is  neither  speech  nor  language,"  but 
a  voice  comes  from  all  these  lofty  heights,  these  profound 
and  awful  gulfs,  comes  to  the  soul  of  man — of  every  re- 
flecting man  here,  and  re-echoes  the  sentiment  of  reve- 
rence to  which  Moses  gave  utterance  in  the  sublime  lan- 
guage, "  Before  the  Mountains  were  brought  forth,  or  ever 
the  earth  and  the  world  were  made,  Thou  art  God  from 
everlasting,  and  world  without  end  !" 

Man  and  his  works  are  perishable  and  ever  perishing. 
Nature  is  more  stable  and  enduring.  The  scenes  of  great 
events  serve  as  striking  memorials  to  future  ages ;  while 
the  changeless  features  impressed  upon  them,  convey  by 
contrast,  an  awakening  lesson  of  the  mutability  of  human 
things. 

In  the  art  in  which  genius  sometimes  displays  its  most 
brilliant  powers,  and  fancy  amuses  itself  with  mimic  repre- 
sentations of  passions  and  wants  on  the  great  stage  of  life  ; 
the  curtain  falls  upon  the  scenery  and  action  together :  and 
when  the  walking  shadows  of  being  disappear,  the  "coun- 
terfeit presentment"  of  objects,  introduced  to  strengthen 
the  illusion,  is  removed  from  view,  as  unmeaning  lumber. 

Not  so  with  the  reality  enacting  on  the  wide  and  varied 
field  of  human  existence  and  enterprise.  The  action,  it 
is  true,  is  fleeting  and  inconstant.  Generations  succeed 
each  other  in  mournful  and  rapid  succession ;   and  their 


58 

works  are  swept  away,  as  the  leaves  of  the  forest  are  dri- 
ven before  the  chilling  blasts  of  autumn.  But  the  scenes 
among  which  men  labour  and  toil  and  struggle  remain 
with  the  same  characters  unchanged,  which  God  impressed 
upon  them ;  having  all  of  perpetuity  that  earth  can  give ; 
destined  to  witness  other  crises  and  other  catastrophes  in 
the  ever-passing  drama  of  mortality ;  and  to  furnish  to 
the  end  of  time,  silent  but  truthful  monuments  to  the 
facts  of  history.  Races,  institutions,  religions  and  go- 
vernments; arts,  trades,  associations,  and  dynasties  fol- 
low each  other  in  mighty  and  varied  series,  sheltered  be- 
neath the  shadows  flung  from  the  same  mountain  heights, 
and  mirrored  in  the  same  placid  waters.  The  storied  plain 
of  Marathon  with  its  encircling  hills,  its  meandering  rivu- 
let, its  marsh — the  grave  of  many  a  Persian  horseman — its 
beach,  battered  by  the  surges  of  the  ./Egean  sea,  continues 
now,  as  on  that  memorable  day,  when  it  was  pressed  by 
the  feet  of  the  flying  Mede,  with  shaftless  quiver  and  bro- 
ken bow,  or  trampled  in  hot  haste  by  the  furious  and  con- 
quering Greek,  with  red,  pursuing  speer !  But  the  na- 
tions, the  ideas,  the  altars  and  the  institutions  of  those  who 
contended  there  for  victory,  are  dissolved  as  utterly,  and 
almost  as  long  ago,  as  the  bodies  of  the  slain  in  the  lonely 
mound  which  yet  marks  the  spot  of  their  inhumation. — 
The  majestic  summit  of  "high  Olympus"  still  overlooks 
the  peaceful  vale  of  Thessaly,  with  the  same  lofty  and  pure 
eminence  which  commended  it  to  heathen  fancy  as  the 
throne  of  the  Gods ;  as  the  council  chamber  where  "  Jove 
convened  the  Senate  of  the  skies,"  to  decide  the  fate  of  na- 
tions. But  the  divinities  themselves,  the  intellectual  crea- 
tions of  ancient  poets ;  the  fair  humanities  of  those  old  re- 
ligions which  the  ingenuity  of  Statesmen  invented,  or  em- 
ployed, to  effect  political  objects;  the  power,  the  beauty 
and  the  majesty  that  had  there  their  imagined  haunt,  on 
its  consecrated  heights,  have  all  vanished  and  live  no  Ion- 


59 

ger  in  the  faith  or  fancy  of  mortals.  The  truth  of  which  I 
am  speaking  is  most  strikingly  illustrated  in  the  associations 
which  henceforward  will  cling  to  this  Father  of  American 
Mountains ;  rising  here  in  majestic  grandeur ;  with  its 
rocky  battlements  scathed  by  the  red  lightnings,  but  yet 
unharmed ;  and  throwing  back  the  voice  of  the  loudest 
thunders,  from  its  deep-muttered  and  reverberating  caverns, 
and  transmitting  the  awful  roar  from  crag  to  crag,  until 
earth  herself  appears  to  shudder  with  fear  and  trembling. 
A  few  years  only  have  elapsed  since  it  stood  here  in  solitary 
loneliness,  unchronicled  amidst  changes  which  have  mark- 
ed the  passing  away  of  nations  of  men  that  roamed  under 
its  woody  sides  or  climbed  its  dizzy  heights ! 

"We  tread  the  scenes  over  which  buried  tribes  and  gene- 
rations of  men  once  wandered ;  we  gaze  upon  the  cloud-cap- 
ped summits  which  once  filled  their  vision  ;  we  strain  the 
eye  to  trace  the  dim  and  distant  outline  that  bounded  their 
horizon ;  the  places  which  know  lis,  knew  them ;  saw  all 
that  we  would  vainly  explore ;  and  heard  those  shrouded 
secrets  of  the  shadowy  past  which  are  never  to  be  recover- 
ed from  oblivion  till  the  coming  of  that  hour  when  "  the 
earth  shall  give  up  her  dead !" 

The  eye  of  one  who  first  drew  breath  in  a  northern  clime, 
and  moved  by  the  most  honorable  motives  which  can  go- 
vern human  conduct,  to  seek  useful  employment  in  this, 
his  adopted  State,  and  led  by  the  desire  to  add  to  the  stock 
of  human  knowledge,  or  by  the  natural  love  of  the  sublime 
and  beautiful,  rested  some  twenty  three  years  ago  upon 
this  glorious  monument  of  the  Creator's  handy-work.  He 
traversed  its  most  deeply  wooded  dells ;  he  stood  upon  its 
loftiest  peaks  ;  he  gazed  in  rapture  upon  its  bold  and  mag- 
nificent outlines  of  grandeur ;  his  spirit  here  drank  in  the 
sweet  and  elevating  influences  of  the  Heavenly  world,  and 
though  no  angels,  messengers  from  the  spirit  land,  met  him 
here  to  lift  the  veil  that  covers  eternal  things,  yet  here  he 


60 

doubtless  held  communion  with  his  God,  and  in  that  soli- 
tude and  silence  which  are  most  propitious  to  devotion,  he 
felt  in  the  mingled  affections  of  love,  reverence  and  fear  that 
filled  the  soul  of  the  disciple  upon  the  mount  of  transfigu- 
ration and  which  inspired  his  breast,  that  it  was  indeed 
good  for  him  to  be  here. 


"  Early  had  he  learned 

To  reverence  the  volume  that  displays 

The  mystery,  the  life,  that  cannot  die  ; 

But  in  the  mountains  he  did  feel  his  faith  !" 

*#■*•*###* 

"  The  whispering  air 

Sends  inspiration  from  the  mountain  heights." 

Wordsworth. 


We  know  not  what  were  the  varied  emotions  and  exer- 
cises of  mind  which  the  contemplation  of  these  scenes  of 
sublimity  and  beauty  excited  in  him.  We  know  that  he 
possessed  a  soul  thoroughly  attuned  tothefulL'ppreciation 
of  all  these  things;  and  tastes  formed  and  educated  by 
study  and  observation  to  derive  the  most  exquisite  pleasure 
as  well  as  profit  from  their  contemplation.  He  has  uot,  so 
far  as  I  know,  left  on  record  any  account  of  the  reflections 
to  which  acquaintance  with  the  view  of  these  things  gave 
rise.  Whatever  shape  they  took,  sure  I  am,  they  were  in 
spirit  holy  and  elevating  and  if  now  they  exist  in  words  of 
human  language,  they  remain  as  precious  mementoes  of 
love  and  affection  to  those  who  were  enshrined  in  his  heart. 
But  mere  selfish  gratification  formed  no  part  of  his  charac- 
ter and  its  elements,  if  they  mingled  at  all  in  the  motives 
which  actuated  his  pursuits,  did  so  incidentally.  If  this 
constitution  of  his  mind  led  him  to  investigate  the  laws  and. 
operations  of  nature  and  derive  pleasure  from  such  occupa- 
tions, the  affections  of  his  heart  influenced  him  not  less  to 
turn  all  his  discoveries  and  convert  all  his  acquisitions  to 
the  good  of  mankind.  Perhaps  not  a  flower  blooms  on 
this  mountain  and  sheds  its  fragrance  to  perfume  the  bree- 


61 

zes  that  fan  its  brows,  but  a  specimen  of  it  adorns  bis  her- 
barium. Perhaps  not  a  root  draws  nourishment  and  heal- 
ing virtue  from  its  soil,  but  its  like  or  a  description  of  it 
enriches  the  collection  of  his  Cabinet.  Perhaps  not  an  ani- 
mal roams  through  these  wilds ;  not  a  bird  warbles  its  ma- 
tin note's  of  joy,  or  sings  its  vesper-hymn  of  praise,  amidst 
these  umbrageous  groves  ;  not  a  reptile  crawls  around  these 
rock-serrated  ridges ;  nor  insect  floats  in  the  morning 
beams  that  herald  the  approach  of  the  "  powerful  king  o± 
day,"  or  sports  in  the  rays  that  leave  their  dewy  kiss  upon 
th  e  brow  of  this  giant  son  of  the  everlasting  hills  (as  Night 
throws  around  him  her  sable  folds,  inviting  to  repose,)  that 
he  has  not  observed  its  habits,  tracked  its  ways,  learned  its 
instincts,  and  chronicled  its  history.  Is  there  a  rock  up- 
heaved from  yonder  summit  that  throws  exultingly  its 
thunder-rifted  crags  to  the  sky,  or  that  protrudes  in  stately 
and  proud  disdain,  from  yonder  iron-bound  and  beetling 
clijis,  as  though  it  held  in  contempt  all  smaller  things  ? — 
He  knew  its  class,  its  composition,  its  age.  Is  there  a 
mineral  that  has  been  dug  from  these  hills;  that  has  rolled 
down  from  these  ridgy  steeps ;  or  been  uncovered  by  the 
torrents  that  rave  and  roar  down  these  mountain  sides  ? — 
He  knew  ii;s  form  and  family,  its  value  and  its  uses.  Hither 
he  brought  the  theodolite  with  its  unerring  precision  to 
compute  angles ;  the  surveyors  chain  to  measure  distances ; 
the  compass  to  determine  bearings  ;  the  barometer  to  weigh 
the  atmosphere  and  the  hygrometer  to  ascertain  its  humi- 
di  i:y.  Prom  all  these  elements  of  Scientific  calculation  as 
developed  by  means  and  instruments  that  speak  no  lan- 
guage but  that  of  truth,  simple,  and  naked  truth — unmov- 
ed from  propriety  by  envy,  unswayed  by  the  whisperings 
of  ambition — he  ascertained  and  proclaimed  that  this  spot 
on  which  we  here  stand — this  glorious  summit,  raised  above 
the  scenes  of  a  toiling  and  weary  world,  was  the  highest 
land  in  the  United  States,  East  of  the  Mississippi  River ! 


62 


Who  then  has  a  better  right  than  he,  to  give  it  a  name  ? — 
None  ;  by  all  that  is  praiseworthy  in  honest  labor,  sacred  in 
truth  and  just  in  reward  ! 

But  what  has  convened  this  vast  assembly  ?  "What  has 
brought  the  people  from  their  homes  as  far  as  the  eye  can 
reach  from  this  proud  eminence  over  all  the  land  below,  to 
gather  here  in  solemn  silence — seriousness  impressed  on 
every  countenance  and  reverence  enthroned  on  every  brow  ? 
The  dwellers  in  vales  and  on  the  mountain  tops  are  here. 
The  husbandman  has  left  his  plough  ;  the  artisan  his  tools ; 
the  professional  man  his  office  ;  the  merchant  has  quit  the 
busy  mart  of  trade  ;  the  man  of  Science  has  closed  the  doors 
of  his  study ;  the  student  has  laid  aside  his  books  to  come 
hither  !  "  The  bridegroom  has  come  forth  from  his  cham- 
ber and  the  bride  from  her  closet,"  the  Fathers  and  Moth- 
ers of  the  land  are  here  !  "  Young  men  and  maidens,  old 
men  and  children  ;"  and  the  ministers  of  the  Sanctuary  are 
here  to  do  honor  to  this  occasion,  and  in  this  place  no  "  un- 
fit audience  chamber  of  Heaven's  King,"  to  consecrate  the 
spot,  as  far  as  the  act  of  man  may,  "to  deathless  fame  !" — 
No  martial  music  breaks  upon  the  hearing,  stirring  the 
hearts  of  men  and  gathering  armed  hosts  in  the  serri- 
ed ranks  of  battle ;  no  sound  of  the  trumpet,  nor  voice 
of  prophet  has  collected  this  mighty  concourse  of  living 
men  !  I  never  saw  such  an  assembly :  I  never  expect  to 
see  the  like  again  !  I  never  read  of  any  thing  in  history 
approaching  its  equal  or  its  parallel,  except  the  gathering 
of  the  hosts  of  Israel  on  Mount  Carmel  at  the  call  of  Eli- 
jah! In  the  physical  features  of  the  scene  here  presented 
to  the  eye,  the  proportions  of  grandeur  and  beauty  more 
than  equal  those  of  Carmel.  The  moral  grandeur  of  the 
object  and  of  the  assembly  gathered  by  Elijah  far  surpass 
ours.  Indeed  they  were  never  equalled  in  our  world  ex- 
cept when  God  descended  upon  Sinai  and  surrounded  by 


68 

terrible  emblems  of  power  and  glory  proclaimed  his  law 
to  his  people. 

But  what  has  moved  us,  as  by  the  spirit  of  one  man  to 
be  here  to-day  ?  From  the  banks  of  the  majestic  Mississip- 
pi in  the  West,  and  from  the  shores  where  thunders  the 
Atlantic  wave  in  the  East,  we  have  met  on  this  midway 
ground.  For  what  ?  To  do  homage  to  goodness,  my 
countrymen  !  Some  of  us  to  pay  the  tribute  of  our  love  in 
tears  to  the  memory  of  one  who  was  dear  to  us  as  a  Father  ! 
Many  of  us  who  in  years  long  past  could  appropriate  the 
language  of  the  prophet  in  behalf  of  Israel  and  say,  "My 
Father  !  thou  art  the  guide  of  my  youth. ' '  All  of  us  to  testi- 
tify  our  appreciation  of  merit  and  by  one  act  to  link  for 
ever  the  honored  name  of  Elisha  Mitchell,  with  this  Mo- 
narch of  Mountains.  Here  then,  and  to-day,  we  commit  to 
the  ground  all  that  remains  of  his  perishable  body.  Here, 
in  the  face  of  Heaven,  in  the  light  of  yonder  Sun,  whose 
radiance  beams  brightly  on  this  spot  when  darkness  veils 
the  world  below,  and  the  storm-cloud  with  its  fringes  of 
fire  girdles  the  mountain  waist, — in  the  name  of  truth, 
honor,  and  justice;  by  right  of  prior  discovery;  by  merit 
of  being  the  first  to  claim  the  honor  of  actual  measurement 
and  mathematical  determination ;  by  virtue  of  labors  en- 
dured with  unremitting  patience,  and  terminated  only  by 
death ;  we  consecrate  this  mountain  by  the  name  of  Mt. 
Mitchell  and  we  call  upon  you  to  speak  your  approval  and 
say  Amen !  Yes,  we  consecrate  it — a  monument  raised 
to  the  memory  of  Dr.  Elisha  Mitchell,  to  a  fame, 

"  Unwasting,  deathless  and  sublime, 

That  will  remain  while  lightnings  quiver, 

Or  stars  the  hoary  summits  climb, 

Or  rolls  the  thunder  chariot  of  Eternal  Time." 

A.  Pike. 

Here  I  might  consider  my  undertaken  task  as  finished — 
the  object  of  my  long  and  wearisome  pilgrimage  as  consum- 
mated ;  but  I  must  crave  your  indulgence,  while  I  endea- 


64 

vor  in  humble  imitation  of  him  whose  death  we  deplore, 
and  whose  virtues  we  honor,  to  improve  even  this  occasion 
to  the  practical  benefit  of  my  fellow  men.  Such,  methinks, 
would  be  his  course,  if  he  were  living  and  called  to  act  in 
the  circumstances  under  which  I  find  myself  placed.  He 
allowed  no  opportunity  to  pass  unimproved,  if  by  any 
means  he  could  employ  it  to  the  good  of  mankind.  Little 
did  I  think,  this  time  last  year,  that  I  should  be  soon  called 
to  officiate  at  his  burial — to  see  the  doors  of  death  opened 
and  then  closed  upon  him,  till  the  clangor  of  the  Archan- 
gel's trumpet  shall  break  the  silence  of  the  grave,  and  the 
dawn  of  the  resurrection  morn  shall  shed  its  light  over  all 
the  places  of  the  scattered  and  slumbering  dead  !  But 
God's  ways  are  inscrutable — his  wisdom  unsearchable  and 
his  judgments  a  great  deep.  Submission,  trust  and  hope 
are  the  virtues  which  his  dealings  with  us  evermore  and 
emphatically  inculcate. 

About  seven  years  ago  I  stood  by  the  tomb  of  Sir  "Wal- 
ter Scott,  the  great  Weird  of  the  North — the  man  whose 
genius  by  a  kind  of  magic  influence  held  the  world  spell- 
bound. His  grave  was  made  under  an  arch  in  the  ruins  of 
Dryburg  Abbey  and  covered  with  a  plain  slab  of  Sand-stone, 
his  name  with  the  date  of  his  birth  and  death  inscribed  up- 
on it.  His  wife  and  eldest  son  reposed  in  death  by  his  side, 
one  on  the  right,  the  other  on  his  left.  It  was  the  most 
melancholy-looking  place  I  ever  saw.  The  spirit  of  sad- 
ness seemed  to  preside  over  the  spot ;  to  utter  its  low  voice 
in  the  gentle  and  just  audible  murmurs  of  the  Tweed ;  to 
breathe  sighs  in  the  light  winds  that  whispered  through  the 
trees  and  to  brood  over  all  the  scene  like  a  .dull  haze  ob- 
scuring the  brightness  of  the  sky.  It  seemed  to  me,  as  if  this 
great  man  had  come  to  this  secluded  spot  to  lay  down  the 
burden  of  mortality  in  mockery  of  the  pride  and  vanity  of 
human  expectations.  It  is  well  known,  that  his  fondest 
and  most  earnest  desires  were  to  attain  the  honors  and  ti- 


65 
i 

ties  of  a  baronetcy  and  to  become  the  founder  of  an  enno- 
bled family.  For  this,  bis  vast  and  versatile  powers  were 
taxed  to  the  utmost  strength,  and  even  beyond  endu- 
rance. He  seemed  just  on  the  eve  of  realizing  his  ardent- 
ly cherished  hopes.  His  literary  fame  was  redolent  with 
the  praises  of  a  world  of  admirers.  He  attracted  the  favor- 
able notice  of  his  sovereign,  and  through  the  interest  of  one 
and  another,  powerful  in  Court  influence,  he  gained  the 
name  of  Baron.  And  very  soon  the  vicissitudes  of  trade, 
through  which  he  hoped  to  acquire  the  means  of  maintain- 
ing his  newly  conferred  dignity,  imposed  on  him  the  stern 
obligation  of  laboring  for  his  bread,  and  the  liquidation  of 
the  j  ust  claims  of  his  creditors.  Bravely  he  waged  the  battle 
of  life  :  But  "  time  and  change  happen  to  all ' '  and  at  last  the 
mightiest  of  all  conquerers  met  him  :  and  in  his  grasp  he 
yielded  up  life  and  all  its  promises  of  distinction,  with  as 
little  resistance  as  an  infant  offers  to  the  over-mastering 
and  crushing  strength  of  a  giant.  For  what  purpose  had 
he  lived  and  to  what  end  had  he  employed  the  command- 
ing talents  with  which  God  had  endowed  him?  It  is 
an  accredited  maxim,  "  de  mortuis  nil  nisi  bonum" — that  is 
speak  nothing  derogatory  of  the  dead.  We  accept  the 
aphorism,  and  mean  not  to  deny  its  obligation  in  practice. 
"We  would  not  take  one  leaf  of  pine  or  laurel  from  that 
crown  with  which  the  suffrage  of  a  world  has  graced  the 
brow  of  Scotland's  favorite  son.  But  by  suggesting  a  com- 
parison between  the  works  of  the  great  Magician  of  the 
North  and  the  unobtrusive  and  patient  labors  of  the  Profes- 
sor toiling  for  forty  years  in  the  Academic  shades  of  Caro- 
lina, in  their  acknowledged  results  upon  human  society,  I 
would  add  a  modest  and  unpretending  Forget-me-not  to  the 
wreath  which  adorns  the  honored  head  of  our  beloved 
friend. 

We  ask,  how  much  have  the  writings  of  Sir  Walter  con- 
tributed to  the  formation  of  correct  principles  of  human 


66 

conduct,  and  enforced  the  obligations  of  virtue  ?  To  the 
entertainment  of  the  world  they  have  made  a  large  contri- 
bution. He  has  made  Scotland  classic  ground.  He  has 
converted  her  hills  into  mountains,  her  fresh  ponds  into  mag- 
nificent lakes,  her  rivulets  into  deep,  flowing  rivers.  Every 
thing  he  has  robed  with  the  colors  of  imagination ;  but 
when  you  come  to  look  at  the  reality,  you  are  astonished 
to  find  that  of  all  men,  he  has  furnished  in  his  descrip- 
tions of  men  and  things,  the  most  striking,  marvellous  and 
thoughtful  exemplification  of  what  his  brother  poet,  Camp- 
bell says,  in  the  opening  of  his  poem,  on  the  Pleasures  of 
Hope ; 

"  Tis  distance  lends  enchantment  to  the  view." 
His  characters  are  unreal ;  his  estimate  of  the  obligations 
and  standard  of  virtue,  defective ;  his  exemplifications  of 
principles  in  practice,  imaginary  and  very  rarely  such  as 
any  judicious  father  could  safely  propose  for  the  imitation 
of  his  children.  It  is  more  than  probable  that  there  is  not 
a  living  man  in  the  world,  whose  character  has  been  fash- 
ioned after  the  model  which  Sir  Walter  Scott  has  drawn  of 
the  most  brilliant  conception  which  his  mind  has  realized 
of  human  excellency.  And  herein  lies  the  marked  diffe- 
rence between  the  practical  teacher — the  conscientious  in- 
structor and  trainer  of  the  young,  and  the  man  whose  con- 
ceptions of  life  and  its  responsibilities  are  embodied  in  the 
dreams  of  poetry,  and  in  the  thrilling  and  moving  scenes 
depicted  in  the  descriptions  of  the  writers  of  Romance  and 
Fiction. 

When  we  stand  by  the  grave  of  Professor  Mitchell  we 
feel  that  we  are  near  the  ashes  of  one  who  has  labored  and 
striven  conscientiously  in  the  noblest  and  holiest  of  the 
causes  of  humanity.  That  cause  was,  and  is,  and  must  ever 
be,  to  develop  and  strengthen  the  intellectual  powers  in 
alliance  with  efforts  to  cultivate  and  cherish  and  bring 
•into   healthy  action  the  moral  affections ;  in  a  word  to 


67 

educate  the  head  and  the  heart  at  the  same  time.  Never 
was  there  a  greater  mistake  nor  one  more  injurious  to  per- 
sonal and  relative  interests,  to  social  and  public  weal  than 
to  separate  these  and  attempt  to  effect  a  divorce  between  the 
intellectual  and  the  moral  in  man.  What  sort  of  a  creature 
would  a  man  be,  if  he  had  no  heart  ?  JSTo  heart  to  feel  for 
another's  woe  ;  nor  to  rejoice  with  them  that  rejoice  ;  and 
never  to  weep  with  them  that  weep ;  to  have  no  word  of 
encouragement  for  the  desponding ;  no  look  of  compassion 
for  the  suffering;  no  hand  to  feed  the  hungry  or  clothe  the 
naked ;  no  promptings  to  go  on  errands  of  mercy  to  the 
sick  and  dying  ?  Yet  this  is  what  the  presuming  wisdom 
and  arrogant  spirit  of  this  age  has  attempted  in  some  of  the 
highest  and,  in  point  of  mental  furniture,  some  of  the  best 
endowed  institutions  in  our  country. 

With  such  a  system  Professor  Mitchell  held  no  sympa- 
thy. Defective  as  all  institutions  founded  upon  Legisla- 
tive patronage  unquestionably  are,  in  necessary  provision 
for  teaching  Christianity  as  a  system  of  divine  revelation  for 
the  salvation  of  men,  and  that,  in  consequence  of  the  petty 
rivalries  and  mean  jealousies  of  sectaries,  who  seem  unable 
to  comprehend  and  embrace  the  enlarged  and  catholic 
spirit  of  the  gospel,  and  who  would  see  every  institution  of 
learning  in  the  land  crumbled  into  ruins  rather  than  not 
have  a  direct  share  in  its  management  and  government, — 
this  defect  in  moral  training  founded  on  the  recognition  of 
the  great  facts  and  doctrines  of  Christianity,  so  justly  com- 
plained of  by  parents,  and  particularly  by  religious  parents, 
in  the  education  of  their  sons,  Professor  Mitchell,  I 
know,  endeavored  to  supply  by  infusing  the  religious  ele- 
ment, as  much  as  possible,  into  his  instructions  in  the 
lecture  room,  and  more  especially  in  his  conversation 
with  those  who  were  so  fortunate  as  to  win  his  perso- 
nal regard.  More  than  forty  years  have  now  elapsed  since 
he  first  entered  the  walls  of  the  North  Carolina  Universi- 


68 

ty3  and  assumed  the  duties  of  the  chair  of  Mathematics. 
I  was  there  then,  an  untaught,  undisciplined  and  unsophis- 
ticated youth.  I  remember  what  a  deep  impression  his 
commanding  form,  his  noble  brow  on  which  mind  seemed 
enthroned,  and  his  dark,  lustrous  e}re  made  upon  our  young 
hearts.  Besides  him  there  were  the  President,  the  vene- 
rable Dr.  Caldwell,  Dr.  Hooper,  Professor  of  languages, 
and  two  Tutors,  the  late  Priestly  H.  Mangum,  and  John 
M.  Morehead,  afterwards  Governor  of  the  State.  Profes- 
sor Olmsted,  now  of  Yale,  his  "jidus  et  cants  comes " 
added  his  strength  to  the  Academic  Corps,  some  months 
later.  How  many  now  living  and  dead  whose  characters, 
as  developed  in  the  various  departments  of  human  life,  have 
the  precepts  and  example  of  Professor  Mitchell  in  the  last 
forty  years  contributed  more  than  any  other  man's  influ- 
ence to  form  and  develope  ! 

Does  any  one  ask  where  are  the  monuments  of  his  labors  ? 
"We  answer  they  will  be  found  among  the  members  of  the 
Cabinet — among  Senators  in  the  Council  Chamber — Rep- 
resentatives in  the  Halls  of  Congress — Governors  of  States 
— Judges  sitting  in  the  highest  places  of  Justice — Legisla- 
tors— Ministers  to  Foreign  Governments — Heralds  of  the 
Cross — Men  of  renown  in  all  the  departments  of  human 
enterprise  —  Lawyers,  Physicians,  Professors,  Schoolmas- 
ters— a  mighty  array  of  talent,  of  learning  and  worth,  the 
influence  of  which  is  felt  through  all  the  land,  and  will  con- 
tinue to  be  felt  while  industry  and  knowledge  shall  be 
honored,  or  gratitude  find  a  name  and  place  of  esteem 
among  men. 

Have  not  the  recorded  observations  of  mankind  given 
the  character  of  an  established  and  admitted  fact  to  the  as- 
sertion that  a  man's  future  usefulness  depends  upon  his 
early  associations  ?  and  that  the  destiny  of  every  human 
being  is  written  upon  his  heart  by  his  Mother  or  by  his 
Teacher  ?     If  "  the  Boy  is  father  of  the  Man,"  how  much  of 


69 

the  excellency  and  usefulness  of  that  manhood  depends  up- 
on the  wisdom,  the  sagacity,  the  care  and  the  skill  of  him 
to  whom  is  entrusted  the  rearing  and  training  of  that  boy ! 
Socrates  was  the  teacher  of  Plato  and  of  Aristotle,  the 
brightest  luminaries  of  the  ancient  heathen  world  !  And 
of  this  last,  Philip  of  Macedon,  the  wisest  monarch  of  his 
day,  and  father  of  Alexander  the  Great,  is  said  to  have  ex- 
pressed his  high  admiration  by  writing,  that  he  was  not  so 
"thankful  to  the  Gods  for  making  him  a  father,  as  he  w*s 
for  their  giving  him  a  son  in  an  age  when  he  could  have 
Aristotle  for  his  instructor." 

If  the  time  permitted  I  could  tell  you,  by  the  recital  of 
remembered  instances,  how  Professor  Mitchell's  wise  and 
far-reaching  care,  his  ever-present  and  friendly  watchful- 
ness and  parental  solicitude  for  the  student,  manifested 
themselves  in  the  lecture  room,  on  public  occasions,  in  the 
social  circle,  and  in  the  administration  of  discipline.  Eve- 
ry where,  and  in  all  things,  he  acted  as  if  under  an  abiding 
conviction,  that  he  was  forming  the  principles  and  char- 
acter of  those  to  whom  would  presently  be  committed,  not 
only  their  own  individual,  personal  happiness,  but  the 
guardianship  of  the  great  public  interests  of  the  land,  and 
the  momentous  concerns  of  souls  that  would  live  when  the 
cares  and  turmoil  of  this  world  were  ended.  Thoughts 
dwelling  upon  these  responsibilities  were  ever  present  with 
him,  and  words  of  instruction,  of  advice  and  of  warning,  as 
the  occasion  served,  mingled  themselves  in,  and  if  I  may 
so  say,  infused  fragrance  to,  all  his  direct  communications 
with  the  young.  I  could  tell  you  how  he  projected  short 
pedestrian  excursions  into  the  surrounding  country  for  the 
benefit  of  his  class,  in  order  that  they  might  reduce  the  prin- 
ciples of  science  which  they  had  learned  from  the  book  into 
practice  ;  and  how  his  conversation  always  abounded  with 
striking  and  pleasant  anecdotes,  about  men  of  other  coun- 
tries and  other  times  ;  intended  by  him  not  only  to  relieve 


70 

the  weariness  of  labor,  but  to  serve  as  striking  illustrations 
of  some  moral  truth  spoken,  or  as  incentives  to  persevering 
effort,  or  to  inspire  a  worthy  emulation.  I  could  tell  you 
how  he  was  ever  ready  to  relieve  the  difficulties  of  the  stu- 
dent, by  patient  efforts  at  explanation  ;  to  unfold  to  him  the 
intricacies  of  mathematical  calculations ;  the  mysteries  of 
science — its  sublime  truths,  the  use  and  the  beauty  of  their 
application — how  he  wrought  for  his  improvement  from 
the  garnished  heavens  where  myriads  upon  myriads  of 
worlds  speak  the  Creator's  glory,  power  and  praise ;  through 
the  rich  and  variegated  fields  which  the  science  of  Botany 
displays,  to  the  wonders  of  Geology  with  its  mysterious 
history  and  revelations,  "  graven  with  an  iron  pen  in  the 
rock  forever;"  and  to  the  marvellous  discoveries  which  the 
microscope  makes  in  the  insect  world  ;  and  from  all  these 
departments  brought  forth  stores  rich  and  abundant,  to  en- 
large and  improve  his  understanding  and  mend  his  heart. — 
A  task  so  grateful  to  me,  so  justto  his  memory,  and  which,  if 
faithfully  performed,  might  be  so  beneficial  to  the  living,  I 
must  leave  to  others  having  more  time  and  better  opportu- 
nity to  do  it  justice. 

"Can  that  man  be  dead, 

Whose  spiritual  influence  is  upon  his  kind  ? 

He  lives  in  glory  :  and  his  speaking  dust 

lias  more  of  life  than  half  its  breathing  moulds.  " 

Miss  Landon. 

We  must  hasten  to  the  performance  of  the  melancholy  du- 
ties for  which  we  have  here  met.  His  "record  is  on  high  !" 
His  memory,  enshrined  in  the  hearts  of  those  who  knew 
him,  shall  live  till  this  mountain  which  perpetuates  his 
name  shall  perish  in  the  fires  of  the  last  conflagration. 

We  may  pause  a  moment  to  speak  of  his  death.  Its  cir- 
cumstances are  too  well  known  to  you  all  to  make  their  de- 
tail necessary.  It  is  sufficient  to  mention  that  on  the  28th 
day  of  June  1857  he  parted  with  his  son  to  cross  the  moun- 
tain to  Thos.  Wilson's. 


71 

A  storm,  not  an  uncommon  event  in  this  region  at  that 
season  of  the  year,  arose  and  shrouded  the  mountain  in 
thick  darkness.  He  wandered  from  his  way,  and  never 
reached  the  point  of  his  destination.  The  fact  of  his  being 
missed  and  the  consequent  uneasiness  of  his  son  and  daugh- 
ter were  soon  made  known  to  the  hardy  sons  of  this  region  ; 
who,  touched  with  the  genuine  feelings  of  sympathy  and 
humanity  so  characteristic  of  all  people  whose  dwellings 
are  in  proximity  to  Nature's  grandest  and  noblest  works, 
assembled  speedily  and  in  large  numbers  to  begin  the 
work  of  search  for  him  who  was  missing,  and  whose  visits 
to  their  mountain  homes,  and  whose  affability  of  manners, 
simplicity  of  deportment  and  instructive  conversation  had 
gained  for  him  a  sure  lodgment  in  their  respect  and  in  their 
hearts.  It  may  indicate  the  savage  wildness  of  the  region 
to  state,  that  this  search  was  continued  for  ten  days  dili- 
gently but  without  success.  At  length,  at  the  end  of  that 
time,  perseverance  and  diligence,  animated  by  affection  and 
Jed  by  love,  were  rewarded  by  the  discovery  of  the  body. — 
His  manly,  breathless  form  was  discovered  in  a  deep,  clear 
basin  of  water  at  the  foot  of  a  precipice  forty  feet  high,  from 
which  he  had  fallen  in  the  darkness  of  the  night,  when  none 
but  God  was  nigh.  His  noble  features  were  not  disfigured 
and  not  a  bone  of  him  was  broken.  "What  a  death,  my 
hearers  !  probably  without  a  pang — without  consciousness 
of  pain  or  suffering  !  In  the  mysterious  appointment  of 
Heaven,  his  hour  had  come,  and  his  transition  from  the 
mortal  to  the  immortal  state,  was  as  rapid  as  the  ascent 
of  Elijah,  by  a  "chariot  and  horses  of  fire.  "  We  know 
not  of  the  communings  held  with  his  own  heart,  in  the 
loneliness  of  that  last  walk  upon  the  mountains,  while  the 
storm-cloud  wrapped  its  folds  of  darkness  around  him,  and 
the  hoarse  thunder  uttered  its  loud  dirge  to  herald  the 
passage  of  his  spirit  from  the  cares  and  toils  of  a  weary 
world,  to  the  rest  and  peace  of  the  better  land.      Did  in- 


72 

stinctive  fears  alarm  him,  as  all  unconscious  of  danger  in 
lus  path,  he  approached  the  fatal  ledge  of  the  precipice  ? — 
We  know  not.  Did  any  exclamation  burst  from  his  lips, 
at  the  instant  he  became  sensible  of  falling  from  its  dizzy 
height?  God  only  knoweth.  We  only  know  that  his  life 
had  been  such  as  to  give  to  all  who  knew  and  loved  him, 
the  precious  consolation  of  hope  in  his  death.  We  only 
know  that  his  name  will  hereafter  be  encircled  with  the 
same  halo  that  sheds  its  light  upon  the  names  of  the  Frank- 
lins— the  Andersons  and  the  Kanes,  who  perished  in  pros- 
ecuting their  labors  in  the  cause  of  science — in  making 
known  the  wonders  of  God's  works,  and  the  fruits  of  whose 
efforts  and  cares  were  meekly  and  modestly  laid  at  the  foot 
of  the  cross.  I  hold  up  the  example  of  his  life  as  embody- 
ing the  elements  of  precious  consolation  to  his  surviving 
family  and  friends ;  of  animating  encouragement  to  the 
young,  and  of  solemn  warning  to  the  living  ;  admonishing 
them  to  remember,  by  a  catastrophe  never  to  be  forgotten, 
that  "in  the  midstof  life  we  are  in  death."  I  hold  it  up  to  his 
children,  as  the  strongest  incentive  that  can  nerve  the  heart 
by  sweet  memories  of  the  dead,  to  walk  as  he  walked,  in 
virtue's  ways.  I  take  it  to  his  now  desolate  hearth-stone — 
to  his  widowed  home,  and  unfolding  there  a  life  and  con- 
versation, all  of  which  are  treasured  up  in  the  deepest  re- 
cesses of  the  soul,  I  would  say  to  the  bruised  spirit,  in 
remembrance  of  the  rieh  mercies  of  the  past,  be  comforted, 
by  all  the  kindling  hopes  of  the  future.  Let  the  holy  re- 
collections of  years  gone — the  path  of  life's  pilgrimage,  il- 
luminated by  the  light  which  shone  from  a  faith  illustrat- 
ed by  good  works — throw  brightness  over  his  grave  ;  con- 
secrate his  memory;  and  spread  the  hue  of  Heaven's  own 
gladness  over  the  bereaved  and  ritied  bosom,  in  contempla- 
ting the  assurance  of  a  happy  re-union  beyond  the  tomb. 

As  the  traveller  wends  his  weary  way  along  the  journey 
of  life,  his  eye,  from  many  a  distant  point  in  his  road,  will 


73 

<"atch  a  glimpse  of  this  lofty  eminence,|rising  heavenward, 
like  a  great  beacon-light  over  the  waste  of  mortality ;  and 
its  name  repeated  by  men  who  will  ever  be  found  dwelling 
under  its  shadow,  will  remind  him  that  here  repose  the 
ashes  of  a  great  and  a  good  man.  In  this  palace  of  nature 
— this  vast  cathedral  raised  by  God's  hand,  where  swift 
winged  winds  mingle  their  voices  with  the  dread  sounds  of 
Heaven's  thunder,  we  leave  him — leave  him — 

"  Amid  the  trophies  of  Jehovah's  power 
And  feel  and  own,  in  calm  and  solemn  mood, 
That,  'tis  man's  highest  glory,  to  be  good.  " 


A  VINDICATION 


OF  THE  PROPRIETY  OP  GIVING  THE  NAME  "MT.  MITCHELL," 


TO  THE  HIGHEST  PEAK  OF  "BLACK  MOUNTAIN": " 


AN  ADDRESS, 


DELIVERED  16TH  JUNE,  1858, 


BY 


HON.  DAVID  L.  SWAIN,  LL.  D, 


PRESIDENT    OF    THE    UNIVERSITY    OF    N.    C. 


CHAPEL  HILL : 
PUBLISHED  BY  J.  M.  HENDERSON. 

PRINTER   TO   THE  UNIVEKSITY. 

1858. 


ADVERTISEMENT. 


The  arrival  of  Professor  Charles  Phillips  had  been  anxiously  expect- 
ed until  the  close  of  the  ceremonies.  He  was,  however,  confined  at  home 
by  severe  illness.  At  the  conclusion  of  Bishop  Otey's  address,  and  before 
the  coffin  was  lowered  into  the  grave  Presidert  Swain  remarked  that  the 
duty  of  representing  the  University  in  these  ceremonies  had  most  unex- 
pectedly devolved  upon  him.  That  the  audience  were  aware,  that  his 
friend  and  colleague,  Professor  Phillips,  had  carefully  investigated  the 
points  of  controversy  which  had  recently  arisen  with  respect  to  the  origi- 
nal discovery  of  this  mountain  height.  To  the  Professor's  published  pa- 
pers he  would  refer  for  a  more  extended  vindication  of  Dr.  Mitchell's 
fame  than  was  necessary  to  his  purpose.* 

President  Swain  said  that  in  relation  to  this  question,  he  was  very  loth 
to  indulge  himself  in  a  statement  even  of  facts  within  his  own  knowledge,  or 
susceptible  of  direct  proof,  by  persons  then  present  whose  truthfulness  no  one 
would  question.  That  his  reluctance  arose  not  merely  from  a  consciousness 
of  his  inability  to  do  the  full  justice  to  the  subject,  anticipated  from  Pro- 
fessor Phillips  ;  but  from  a  painful  apprehension,  that  anything  he  should 
say  might  serve  only  to  mar  the  effect  of  the  most  touching  and  interest- 
ing exhibition  of  filial  piety  he  had  ever  witnessed.  That  the  venerable 
Prelate  to  whom  they  had  all  listened  with  so  much  delight,  had  at  an  un- 
reasonably short  notice,  in  the  midst  of  pressing  engagements,  harassing 
anxieties  and  cares,  left  the  sick-bed  of  a  near  relative,  and  travelled  six 
hundred  miles  from  the  Mississippi  to  the  Alleghany,  to  pay  a  tribute 
of  respect  and  affection  at  the  grave  of  an  instructor,  with  whom  his  inter- 
course began  quite  forty  years  ago.  This  simple  incident  is  all  the  evi- 
dence that  need  be  required  of  the  true  character  of  the  living  and  the 
dead.  It  is  an  incident,  with  the  attendant  circumstances,  such  as  has 
never  occurred  before  and  will  never  occur  again.  The  moral  sublime  is 
in  beautiful  harmony  with  the  surrounding  scenery.  He  who  of  the  race 
of  men  first  stood  in  life,  is  the  first  to  find  repose,  in  death,  on  the  highest 
ascertained  elevation  on  the  continent,  east  of  the  Mississippi.  Of  the  lat- 
ter distinction,  no  one  can  divest  him.  Of  his  right  to  the  former,  the  evi- 
dence is  believed  to  be  scarcely  less  clear  and  conclusive. 

After  referring  to  the  fact  that  he  was  a  native  of  the  County  of  Bun- 
combe, during  five  years  one  of  their  Representatives  in  the  General  As- 
*See  University  Magazine  for  March  1858,  pp.  293-318. 


eembly,  a  resident  of  Asheville  until  1831,  and  a  citizen  until  his  removal 
to  the  University  in  1836,  President  Swain  remarked,  that  to  the  deceas- 
ed he  stood  in  a  relation  no  less  intimate  and  endearing.  He  was  his  pu- 
pil in  1822,  had  been  a  Trustee  of  the  University  since  1831,  and  at  the 
head  of  the  Institution  since  1835.  His  friends  Bishop  Otey  and  Dr. 
Wright,  were  class-mates,  and  their  acquaintance  commenced  at  an  earlier 
period,  they  had  known  him  longer,  but  there  was  no  man  living  who 
knew  him  as  well  as  he.  For  several  years  previous  to,  and  during  the 
entire  period  of  President  Swain's  connection  with  the  University,  Dr. 
Mitchell  was  the  Senior  Professor.  More  than  twenty  years  of  daily  in- 
tercourse afforded  the  fullest  and  fairest  opportunity  to  form  a  correct 
opinion  of  his  true  character.  He  was  a  man  of  no  ordinary  ability,  of 
very  unusual  attainments  in  literature  and  science,  of  indomitable  perse- 
verance, untiring  industry  and  unflinching  courage. 

It  was  natural  that  the  sudden  death  of  such  a  man  should  produce  a 
deep  sensation  in  any  community  of  which  he  was  a  member.  But  there 
was  a  kindness  of  heart  and  amenity  of  manner,  that  had  endeared  Dr. 
Mitchell  to  all  within  the  range  of  his  associations  ;  and  the  manifestations 
of  grief  by  the  Faculty,  the  Students,  and  the  community,  were  heart-felt, 
and  universal.  The  rich  and  the  poor,  the  bond  as  well  as  the  free,  men 
women  and  children,  united  in  the  award  of  funeral  honors  to  an  extent 
without  a  parallel,  in  the  history  of  Chapel  Hill. 

Two  days  after  the  observance  of  the  ceremonies  upon  the  mountain,  the 
addresses  of  Bishop  Otey  and  President  Swain,  at  the  earnest  request  of 
the  citizens  of  Asheville,  were  repeated  at  the  Court  House,  to  a  larga 
auditory.  The  subjoined  narrative,  is  move  nearly  a  report  of  the  remarks 
of  President  Swain  upon  the  latter,  than  upon  the  former  occasion. 
(78) 


ADDRESS. 


In  the  year  1825,  in  the  city  of  Raleigh,  while  a  member- 
of  the  Legislature  from  the  County  of  Buncombe,  I  was  in- 
troduced to  the  late  John  C.  Calhoun,  then  Vice-President 
of  the  United  States.  After  a  playful  allusion  to  my  height, 
which  he  said  corresponded  with  his  own  and  that  of  Gen- 
eral Washington,  he  remarked  that  we  could  also  congrat- 
ulate ourselves  on  the  circumstance,  that  we  resided  in  the 
neighborhood  of  the  highest  mountain  on  the  continent, 
east  of  the  Rocky  Mountains. 

The  suggestion  took  me  entirely  by  surprise,  and  I  in- 
quired whether  the  fact  had  been  ascertained.  He  replied, 
not  by  measurement,  but  that  a  very  slight  examination  of 
the  map  of  the  United  States,  would  satisfy  me  it  was 
so.  That  I  would  find  among  the  mountains  of  Bun- 
combe, the  head-springs  of  one  of  the  great  tributaries 
of  the  Mississippi,  flowing  into  the  gulf  of  Mexico ;  of  the 
Kenhawa,  entering  the  Ohio  ;  and  of  the  Santee  and  Pee- 
dee,  emptying  into  the  Atlantic.  That  these  were  the 
longest  rivers  in  the  United  States,  east  of  the  Rocky  moun- 
tains, finding  their  way  in  opposite  directions  to  the  ocean, 
and  that  the  point  of  greatest  elevation,  must  be  at  their 
sources. 

In  June,  1830,  in  company  with  the  late  Governor  Owen, 
and  other  members  of  the  Board  of  Internal  Improvements 
of  the  State,  I  descended  the  Cape  Fear  river  from  Haywood 
to  Fayetteville.  Professor  Mitchell  of  the  University, 
availed  himself  of  the  opportunity  thus  afforded  for  a  geo- 


80 

logical  excursion  and  accompanied  us.  In  the  course  of 
familiar  conversation,  I  referred  to  the  conjecture  of  Mr. 
Calhoun,  in  relation  to  the  height  of  our  Western  Moun- 
tains. He  intimated  then,  or  at  a  subsequent  interview, 
his  concurrence  in  opinion  with  Mr.  Calhoun,  and  men- 
tioned that  the  distinguished  naturalists,  the  elder  and 
younger  Michaux,  had  arrived  at  the  same  conclusion  about 
the  beginning  of  the  century,  from  very  different  data. — 
They  had  found  in  the  Black  Mountain,  trees  and  other 
specimens  of  Alpine  growth,  that  they  had  observed  no 
where  else  South  of  Canada. 

In  the  summer  of  1835,  Dr.  Mitchell  made  his  first  at- 
tempt to  verify  by  barometrical  measurement,  the  accura- 
cy of  the  opinions  expressed  by  these  gentlemen.  His  ex- 
ploration was  laborious,  careful  and  patient.  A  subse- 
quent explorer  remarks  "  that  at  the  time  Dr.  Mitchell  be- 
gan his  observations,  with  regard  to  the  height  of  the  Black 
Mountain,  it  was  much  more  inaccessible  than  it  has  since 
become,  by  reason  of  the  progress  of  the  settlements  around 
its  base,  so  that  he  was  liable  to  be  misled,  and  thwarted, 
by  unforseen  obstacles,  in  his  efforts  to  reach  particular 
parts  of  the  chain,  and  when  he  did  attain  some  point  at 
the  top  of  the  ridge,  nature  was  too  much  exhausted  to  al- 
low more  than  one  observation,  as  to  the  immediate  locali- 
ty. "  The  accuracy  of  this  statement  will  be  most  clearly 
perceived  and  readily  admitted,  by  those  most  familiar 
with  the  character  of  this  mountainous  region,  then  and 
now.  It  is  impossible  for  a  stranger  to  form  a  clear  con- 
conception  of  the  obstacles  that  were  encountered  and  the 
difficulties  overcome. 

Dr.  Mitchell's  account  of  this  exploration  was  published 
in  due  time,  and  attracted  very  general  attention  at  home 
and  abroad.  There  are  few,  even  of  the  most  obscure  vil- 
lage newspapers  of  that  day,  in  which  notices  of  it  may  not 
be  found.     It  was  the  first  authoritative  annunciation,  that 


81 

the  summit  of  th-e  Black  Mountain  in  North  Carolina,  was 
higher  than  that  of  the  White  mountains  in  New  Hamp- 
shire, and  the  highest  in  the  United  States  east  of  the  Mis- 
sissippi. The  accuracy  of  the  measurement  was  at  first 
controverted,  but  subsequently  yielded  by  writers  in  Silli- 
man's  American  Journal  of  Science,  and  has  long  since 
ceased  to  be  the  subject  of  doubt. 

The  question  that  remains  to  be  settled  is  of  less  impor- 
tance, but  it  is  believed,  that  its  proper  and  truthful  solu- 
tion, is  no  less  favorable  to  the  deceased  Professor's  claim 
to  accuracy  as  a  man  of  science — was  the  pinnacle  measur- 
ed by  Dr.  Mitchell  in  1835,  the  highest  peak  of  the  Black 
Mountain  ? 

In  1839,  an  agent  of  the  publishers  of  Smith's  Geogra- 
phy and  Atlas,  called  upon  me  at  the  University,  and  re- 
quested an  examination  of  the  work  and  an  opinion  of  its 
merits.  On  an  intimation  that  it  was  not  very  accurate  in 
relation  to  the  Southern  States,  and  especially  erroneous  in 
various  instances  with  respect  to  North  Carolina,  he  re- 
quested me  to  revise  it  at  my  leisure,  and  transmit  a  correc- 
ted copy  to  the  publishers.  I  complied.  A  copy  of  this 
book  is  now  before  me,  and  on  page  138,  in  the  section  de- 
scriptive of  North  Carolina  is  the  following  paragraph  : — 
"  Mount  Mitchell  in  this  State,  has  been  ascertained  to  be 
the  highest  point  of  land  in  the  United  States,  east  of  the 
Rocky  Mountains." 

At  the  time  I  revised  the  Geography  and  Atlas,  I  re- 
quested Dr.  Mitchell,  to  mark  upon  the  map  of  North 
Carolina,  the  highest  point  of  elevation  in  the  Black  Moun- 
tain range.  He  did  so,  and  I  wrote  against  it  "  Mount 
Mitchell."  A  copy  of  this  corrected  map  "entered  ac- 
cording to  an  Act  of  Congress  in  the  year  1839,  by  Daniel 
Burgess,  in  the  Clerks  office  in  the  District  of  Connecticut," 
is  now  in  my  possession.  I  have  examined  it  carefully  and 
with  all  the  aid  to  be  obtained  from  Cook's  map  of  the  State, 


82 

and  the  knowledge  derived  from  a  recent  visit  to  the  moun- 
tain, I  am  by  no  means  certain,  that  if  the  maps  were  sub- 
mitted to  me  a  second  time  time  for  revision,  Icouldmak.e 
a  nearer  approximation  to  accuracy  in  the  delineation  of 
the  highest  peak,  than  did  Dr.  Mitchell  in  1839. 

The  following  Book  Notice  is  copied  from  the  Raleigh 
Register  of  June  5th,  1840.  The  replies  to  the  suggestion 
of  a  name  for  the  highest  peak  of  the  Black  Mountain,  ap- 
peared in  the  Highland  Messenger,  the  first  newspaper  that 
was  established  west  of  the  Blue  Ridge. 

The  Rev.  D.  R.  McXally,  D.  D.,  extensively  and  fa- 
vorably known  as  the  Editor  of  the  Christian  Advocate 
at  St.  Louis,  Mo.,  one  of  the  official  organs  of  the  Metho- 
dist Episcopal  Church  South,  was  at  that  time  a  citizen  of 
Asheville,  and  the  Editor  of  the  Highland  Messenger.  It 
is  perhaps  proper  to  state  that  the  article  copied  from  the 
Raleigh  Register,  was  written  by  me,  and  that  I  am  the 
friend  alluded  to  in  the  closing  editorial  of  the  Messenger. 
The  name  of  Mount  Mitchell  as  "an  appellative"  of  the 
highest  summit  east  of  the  Mississippi  had  its  origin  in 
these  publications. 

[From  the  Raleigh  Register,  June  5th,  1840.] 

smith's  geography  and  atlas. 

We  took  occasion,  some  weeks  since,  to  direct  attention  to  the  very  neat 
«nd  excellent  Geography  of  S.  Augustus  Mitchell,  and  the  admirable  At- 
las, by  which  it  is  accompanied.  We  have  no  disposition,  in  noticing  the 
work  placed  at  the  head  of  this  article,  to  abate  in  the  slightest  degree  the 
high  commendation  we  bestowed  upon  the  labors  of  Mr.  Mitchell. 

It  is  due  to  Mr.  Smith,  however,  to  say,  that  a  very  slight  inspection  of 
his  book  will  satisfy  any  one,  that  it  will  prove  a  dangerous  competitor  to 
the  whole  tribe  of  candidates  for  patronage  in  this  department. 

The  Geography  is  well  written  and  what  is  quite  as  important,  is  very 
accurate  in  its  details,  geographical  and  statistical.  Like  other  School 
Books  by  the  same  author,  it  is  upon  the  productive  system  and  well  adap- 
ted to  the  comprehension  of  the  younger  class  of  learners.  Among  the 
pictorial  embelishments,  is  a  good  representation  of  our  new  State  House 


83 

and  of  the  armorial  device  of  the  State  copied  from  the  Great  Seal.  In  the 
description  of  the  State,  Mount  Mitchell  is  stated  to  be  the  highest  point 
of  land  in  the  United  States,  east  of  the  Rocky  Mountains.  We  are  grati- 
fied  to  see  the  reputation  of  the  Senior  Professor  in  our  University  estab- 
lished upon  so  durable,  firm  and  elevated  a  basis. 

The  mechanical  execution  of  the  book  however,  is  decidedly  inferior  to 
Mitchell's;  but  such  is  not  the  case  with  the  Atlas,  which  is  the  neatest 
and  most  accurate  collection  of  maps  for  the  use  of  Schools,  which  has 
fallen  under  our  observation.  The  new  counties,  Henderson  and  Cherokee, 
created  by  our  last  General  Assembly,  are  delineated  on  the  map  of  the 
State. 

[From  the  Highland  Messenger,  June  12,  lS-tO.] 

It  seems  that  Mr.  Smith,  the  geographer,  and  the  editor  of  the  Raleigh 
Register,  have  taken  "  the  responsibility  "  to  inform  "  the  whole  world," 
that  the  Black  Mountain  in  this  County,  is  hereafter  and  forever  to  be 
called  Mount  Mitchell,  Now,  inasmuch  as  this  has  been  done  without 
once  deigning  to  consult  the  good  people  of  Buncombe,  whose  authority  is 
always  higher,  than  any  powers  whatever  at  Raleigh  (as  they  are  some- 
thing like  a  mile  above  them,)  we  hereby  give  notice  to  all  whom  it  may 
concern,  and  to  all  whom  it  may  not  concern,  that  Black  Mountain  is  to 
be  Black  Mountain  as  long  as  Buncombe  remains  Buncombe.  If  Mr. 
Smith  will  publish  another  edition  of  his  work,  and  consent  to  call  Bun- 
combe, Mount  Smith,  then  we  will  consent  to  call  the  Black  Mountain 
Mount  Mitchell. 

[From  the  Highland  Messenger,  June  19.  1840  ] 

smith's  geography. 

It  has  been  suggested  to  us  that  our  remarks  last  week  in  reference  to 
the  change  of  the  name  of  the  Black  Mountain,  were  calculated  to  do  in- 
justice to  the  individual,  to  perpetuate  whose  memory  the  change  of  the 
name  had  been  proposed.  It  was  certainly  the  farthest  from  our  intention 
to  do  injustice  to  any  one,  and  particularly  to  detract  in  the  smallest  pos- 
sible degree  from  the  well  earned,  and  well  deserved  reputation  of  Profes- 
sor Mitchell.  We  penned  the  article  in  question,  under  the  impression 
that  Mr.  Smith  had  applied  the  name  of  Mount  Mitchell,  to  the  whole 
mountain  range,  so  well  known  in  this  region  as  the  Black  Mountain. — 
The  latter  appellative  has  its  foundation  in  nature,  and  is  too  old  and  too 
well  established  to  justify  any  attempt  at  substitution.  The  thought  would 
be  preposterous.  We  are  perfectly  willing  to  concede  the  name  of  Mount 
Mitchell  to  that  particular  point  on  the  Black  Mountain,  which  Professor 
Mitchell,  after  a  degree  of  labor  and  expense,  which  none  other  than  a 


84 


genuine  devotee  of  science  would  have  incurred,  demonstrated  to  be  the 
most  elevated  point  of  measured  land  east  of  the  Rocky  Mountains.  We 
Bay  measured  land,  because  we  have  long  believed,  and  still  believe  that 
there  is  one,  if  not  two  points,  in  the  same  range  of  mountains  higher  than 
that  one  measured  by  Professor  Mitchell,  from  forty  to  sixty  miles  west  of 
the  Black  Mountain. 

If  Mr.  Smith  will,  in  the  next  edition  of  his  work,  use  language  a  little 
more  precise  than  in  his  last,  we  will  concede  to  him  the  right  to  pro- 
nounce Mount  Mitchell  one  of  the  peaks  of  the  Black  Mountain  to  be  6,476 
feet  in  height,  and  the  most  elevated  summit  that  has  been  as  yet  correct- 
ly measured  in  the  United  States.  In  reference  to  this  particular  peak, 
none  wid  more  readily  or  cheerfully  unite  in  giving  it  the  appellation  of 
Mount  Mitchell  than  we.  It  is  nothing  more  nor  less  than  what  the  wor- 
thy Professor  is  entitled  to,  as  discovery  is  the  foundation  of  right  all  over 
the  world  to  regions  previously  unknown,  and  a  great  proportion  of  our 
geographical  nomenclature  will  show  that  it  frequently  gives  title  as  well 
as  right.  We  shall,  at  a  leisure  hour,  recur  to  this  subject,  and  most  re- 
spectfully invite  the  attention  of  Professor  Mitchell,  and  other  scientific 
gentlemen  to  the  peaks,  which,  in  our  opinion,  are  much  higher  than  those 
already  measured. 

In  the  meantime,  an  esteemed  friend  has  kindly  promised  to  procure 
and  transmit  to  us  for  publication  the  interesting  article  of  Professor 
Mitchell,  on  this  subject,  originally  published  in  the  Ealeijh  Register,  and 
subsequently  transferred  to  the  "  American  Journal  of  Science,''  conducted 
by  Professor  Silliman. 

During  a  visit  to  Asheville  in  the  summer  of  1843,  I 
found  the  half  of  a  large  tract  of  land  bounded  for  several 
miles  by  the  extreme  height  of  the  Black  Mountain,  for 
sale,  and  more  for  the  purpose  of  becoming,  in  connection 
with  my  friend  Xicholas  W.  Woodtiu,  Esq.,  a  proprietor  of 
Mount  Mitchell,  than  for  any  other  reason,  I  purchased 
the  moiety  owned  by  W.  B.  Westall.  Two  years  after- 
wards, in  June  1845,  the  tract  was  surveyed  by  Nehemiah 
Blackstock,  Esq.  His  son  Robe-t  V.  Blackstock,  was 
marker,  the  late  James  P.  Hardy,  a  member  of  the  Palmet- 
to Regiment  who  died  a  soldier's  death  in  Mexico,  and  W. 
F.  Angel  were  the  chain  bearers. 

On  Wednesday  the  16th  June,  in  company  with  Bishop 


85 

Otey  and  many  others,  I  took  part  in  the  funeral  ceremo- 
nies, at  the  re-interment  of  the  remains  of  Dr.  Mitchell,  on 
the  highest  peak  of  the  Black  Mountain.  Among  the  per- 
sons present  were  my  old  friend  William  Wilson,  whom  I 
had  not  seen  for  many  years,  his  cousin,  Thomas  Wilson, 
the  well  known  guide  to  the  Black  Mountain,  who  was  the 
first  to  discover  the  body  of  Dr.  Mitchell,  in  the  pool,  at 
the  bottom  of  the  Falls  which  bear  the  Doctor's  name,  and 
Nathaniel  Allen,  the  son  of  Adoniram  Allen.  The  two 
latter  are  comparatively  young  men,  and  were  children 
when  I  ceased  to  be  a  resident  of  Asheville. 

Bishop  Otey  and  myself  examined  each  of  them  careful- 
ly and  minutely  in  relation  to  the  leading  facts  connected 
with  Dr.  Mitchell's  explorations  of  the  Black  Mountain, 
and  the  fatal  catastrophe  which  terminated  his  existence. 
William  Wilson  stated,  that  he  was  never  on  the  spot, 
where  we  then  stood,  until  the  Summer  of  1835,  that  then 
in  company  with  his  friend  and  neighbor  Adoniram  Allen, 
deceased,  he  went  there  as  the  guide  of  Dr.  Mitchell.  He 
entered  into  a  detail  of  the  leading  incidents  connected  with 
the  difficult  and  laborious  ascent  of  the  mountain,  pointed 
out  the  route  and  referred  to  the  most  remarkable  locali- 
ties and  objects,  which  then  presented  themselves  on  the 
way.  He  stated  that  after  the  exploration  of  1835,  he  had 
never  been  on  the  top  of  this  mountain  until  some  time 
subsequent  to  Dr.  Mitchell's  death ;  when,  hearing  that  a 
controversy  had  arisen  with  respect  to  the  pinacle  then 
measured,  he  determined,  old  and  feeble  as  he  was,  to  as- 
cend it  again,  and  had  done  so.  He  said  that  he  recog- 
nized, as  he  went  up  from  point  to  point,  the  remarkable 
places  which  had  attracted  his  attention  when  he  climbed 
it  with  Dr.  Mitchell.  He  had  now  gone  over  the  same 
route  the  third  time,  and  entertained  no  doubt  of  the  accu- 
racy of  his  recollections.  There  is  probably  no  one,  whose 
course   of  life  and  long  familiarity   with   this   range    of 


86 

mountains,  entitle  his  statements  in  relation  to  it  to  more 

implicit  confidence. 

He  referred  repeatedly  to  young  Mr.  Allen,  for  confirm- 
atory statements,  in  relation  to  the  line  and  manner  of  as- 
cent, which  he  had  heard  from  his  father,  the  late  Adoni- 
ram  Allen,  and  was  corroborated  by  him  throughout. 

Mr.  Thomas  "Wilson  and  Mr.  Allen  united  with  the  old 
gentleman  in  the  statement  that  this  was  the  only  peak, 
known  during  many  years  to  the  citizens  of  Yancey,  as 
Mount  Mitchell  ;  and  that  until  recently  they  had  never 
heard  the  name  applied  to  any  other  pinacle. 

Mr.  William  Wilson  mentioned  in  the  course  of  his  re- 
marks, that  during  the  time  they  were  on  the  mountain, 
Dr.  Mitchell  climbed  the  highest  Balsam  he  could  find,  cut 
away  the  limbs  near  the  top  of  the  tree,  and  after  repeated 
observations  with  the  instrument  he  carried  with  him  for 
the  purpose,  said  that  the  peak  on  which  they  were,  was 
the  highest  of  the  range.  I  examined  the  tree  to  which 
Mr.  Wilson  pointed  as  the  one,  or  near  the  one,  which  Dr. 
Mitchell  climbed,  and  found  the  initials  R.  V.  B.,  J.  P.  H., 
plainly  carved  in  the  bark.  It  stands  within  a  few  feet  of 
the  newly-made  grave  of  Dr.  Mitchell. 

On  my  return  to  Asheville,  two  days  after  parting  with 
Mr.  Wilson,  I  met  very  unexpectedly  with  Mr.  Robert  V. 
Blackstock,  whom  I  did  not  recollect  to  have  seen  before, 
but  who,  I  am  glad  to  hear,  is  worthy  of  his  lineage.  With 
his  father,  Nehemiah  Blackstock,  Esq.,  well  known  as  an 
accurate  surveyor,  a  skillful  woodman,  and  a  man  of  intel- 
ligence and  integrity,  my  acquaintance  began  in  my  early 
boyhood.  The  young  man,  on  an  intimation  of  my  desire 
to  see  his  father,  and  examine  the  plat  made  for  me  in 
1845,  informed  me  that  it  was  in  Asheville,  and  that  he 
could  probably  supply  the  information  I  desired  in  relation 
to  it.  He  obtained  it  immediately.  Directing  my  atten- 
tion to  the  beginning  corner,  he  traced  the  line  from  point 


to  point,  until  it  reached  the  extreme  height  where  Dr.  M. 
was  buried,  and  the  marked  corner  tree  which  Mr.  Wilson 
had  shewn  me,  standing  within  a  few  feet  of  the  grave. — 
The  following  entries,  copied  from  the  plat,  require  no  ex- 
planation, for  those  familiar  with  such  muniments  of  title. 
"Mitchell's  highest  point,  Balsam,  R.  V.  B.,  J.  P.  H." — 
Here  Mr.  Blackstock  remarked  that  at  the  time  he  cut  his 
initials  upon  that  Balsam,  he  climbed  either  that  tree,  or 
one  standing  near  it,  in  order  to  obtain  a  more  command- 
ing view  of  the  mountain  scenery,  and  that  when  near  the 
top,  he  was  surprised  to  find  that  limbs  had  been  trimmed 
away,  and  called  out  to  his  companions  below  : — "some  one 
has  been  here  before  us."  Mr.  B.  was  not  on  the  moun- 
tain, when  the  funeral  ceremonies  took  place,  and  had,  at 
the  time  his  statement  was  made,  no  knowledge  of  what 
had  occurred  between  Mr.  Wilson  and  myself. 

Mr.  William  D.  Cooke's  map  of  the  State  was  published 
in  1847.  It  is,  in  most  respects,  greatly  superior  to  any 
previous  attempt  at  a  correct  topographical  representation 
of  North  Carolina,  He  had  access  to  such  surveys  of  roads 
and  rivers,  as  had  been  made  with  a  view  to  the  internal  im- 
provement of  the  State,  and  preserved  in  the  public  offices. 
No  surveys  were  made  at  the  public  expense  to  facilitate 
his  labours,  and  he  received  no  assistance  from  the  public 
treasury.  The  enterprise  was  arduous,  expensive  and  haz- 
ardous ;  and,  under  the  circumstances,  accomplished  in  a 
manner  highly  creditable  to  his  industry,  liberality  and 
skill.  There  was  no  public  survey  to  guide  him  in  his  at- 
tempt to  delineate  this  mountain  range ;  but  there  is  no 
evidence  of  any  effort  having  been  made  to  avail  himself  of 
the  best  private  materials,  which  might  have  rewarded 
proper  research. 

To  attempt  "to  remove  an  ancient  landmark,"  is  both  a 
private  and  a  public  wrong.  To  transfer  the  name  of  the 
discoverer   of  the  interesting  geographical  fact,   that  the 


Black  is  the  highest  mountain  on  the  continent,  east  of  the 
Mississippi,  from  the  point  designated  by  Smith  in  1839, 
and  by  Blackstock  in  1845,  and  place  it  beneath  the  names 
of  a  series  of  persons  who  in  1855  or  subsequently,  when 
settlements  had  encroached  upon  the  base,  and  paths  had 
been  opened  to  the  summit,  with  published  data  as  a  guide 
for  computation,  may  have  successively  measured  a  loftier 
peak  than  their  predecessors,  is  as  inconsiderate  as  it  is 
unjust. 

Mr.  Cooke  cannot  suppose  that  the  point  designated  by 
him  as  "  Mount  Mitchell,"  in  1855,  and  by  Blackstock  as 
the  "Party  Knob  "  in  1845,  is  the  summit  that  was  meas- 
ured by  Dr.  Mitchell  in  1835.  It  is  impossible  for  any  one 
to  compare  Smith's  map  and  Blackstock's  plat  with  Cooke's 
map,  and  not  perceive  that  it  cannot  be.  The  "Party  Knob' ' 
rises  near  the  dividing  line  between  Buncombe  and  Yan- 
cey. "  Mount  Mitchell, ' '  as  delineated  by  Smith  and  Black- 
stock,  is  in  Yancey  county,  east  of  south  from  Burnsville, 
and  some  four  miles  north  of  the  Buncombe  line. 

Mr.  Cooke  may  erase  "Mount  Mitchell"  from  his  map, 
if  he  chooses  to  do  so — the  continent  does  not  bear  the 
name  of  its  discoverer — but  he  will  not  be  permitted  to  per- 
petrate a  double  wrong,  by  placing  the  name  of  Dr.  Mitch- 
ell where  neither  the  Doctor,  nor  any  friend  of  his,  ever  de- 
sired to  see  it. 


ADDRESS 

ON   THE 

LIFE   AND   CHARACTER 

MAJ. 

GEN.  STEPHEN  D.  RAMSEUR, 

BEFORE    T1IK 

LADIES'  MEMORIAL  ASSOCIATION  OF  RALEIGH,  N.  C, 

MAY    10th,    1891. 

•                      • 

BY 

HON,    WILLIAM    R.    COX. 

RALEIGH  : 

E.    M.    IV.ZEIJv,    STEAM    PRINTER    AND    BINDER. 
1 89I. 

w 


■y  % 


MAJOR  GENERAL  STEPHEN    D.    RAMSEUR. 


EY    PERMISSION   OF  THE   CENTURY  CO- 


ADDRESS 


LIFE   AND    CHARACTER 


MAJ.  GEN.  STEPHEN  D.  RAMSEUR, 


UEfnnK    THE 


LADIES'  MEMORIAL  ASSOCIATION  OE  RALEIGH,  N.  C. 


MAY   10th,    1891. 


BY 

HON.   WILLIAM    R.   COX. 


RALEIGH : 

E.    M.    UZZEIA,    STEAM    PRINTER   AND    BINDER. 
1891. 


ADDRESS. 


Mr.  President,  Ladies  and  Gentlemen : 

When  Xerxes  looked  upon  the  countless  hosts  of  Persia  he 
is  said  to  have  wept  when  he  reflected  that  within  one  hun- 
dred years  from  that  time  not  one  of  those  then  in  his  presence 
would  be  living.  It  is  with  similar  emotions  every  survivor  of 
the  war  between  the  States  must  be  moved  when  called  upon  to 
pass  in  review  and  comment  upon  the  heroic  deeds  and  still 
more  heroic  sufferings  of  those  who  participated  in  that  fierce 
and  unrelenting  conflict. 

It  is  now  over  a  quarter  of  a  century  since  the  last  hostile 
gun  of  the  war  was  fired  ;  the  laws  are  everywhere  respected 
and  obeyed;  and  every  citizen,  irrespective  of  section  or  service, 
recognizes  it  as  his  first  duty  to  march  to  the  defense  of  his  gov- 
ernrhent  whenever  menaced  by  foes  either  from  within  or  with- 
out. 

To  such  as  may  question  the  policy  or  propriety  of  these 
memorial  reunions,  and  inquire  why  these  gatherings  of  the  peo- 
ple, which  may  keep  alive  the  estrangements  of  the  past,  we 
commend  the  remarks  of  that  eloquent  New  Yorker,  Chauneey 
M.  Depew,  who,  upon  a  similar  occasion  forcibly  and  truthfully 
declared  that  "vapid  sentimentalists  and  timid  souls  deprecate 
these  annual  reunions,  fearmg  they  may  arouse  old  strife  and 
sectional  animosities;  but  a  war  in  which  five  hundred  thousand 
men  were  killed  and  two  millions  more  wounded,  in  which 
States  were  devastated,  and  money  spent  equal  to  twice  England's 
gigantic  debt,  has  a  meaning,  a  lesson,  and  results  which  are  to 
the  people  of  this  Republic  a  liberal  education,  and  the  highest 
chairs  of  this  university  belong  to  you." 

The  ladies  of  this  association  have  a  just  appreciation  of  the 
necessity  for  preserving  the  truths  of  history  for  the  future  his- 
torian, who,  with  a  juster  prospective  which  distance  may  give, 


shall  write  a  history  of  our  common  country.  They  have  wisely 
decided  that  at  each  annual  reunion  an  active  participant  of  the 
war  shall  be  called  upon  to  portray  the  life  and  character  of 
some  distinguished  comrade  who  in  the  late  war  yielded  up  his 
life  in  obedience  to  the  laws  of  his  State  and  for  a  cause  his 
conscience  told  him  was  right.  The  necessity  for  preserving  the 
data  thus  collected  becomes  more  important  from  the  fact  that 
in  every  war,  whatever  may  be  its  original  merits,  writers  will 
always  be  found  to  misrepresent  and  belittle  the  vanquished, 
while  with  fulsome  adulation  they  sing  pseans  to  and  crown 
with  laurels  the  brow  of  the  victor.  Even  distinguished  par- 
ticipants in  such  strifes  are  not  slow  to  yield  to  importunity 
the  autobiographic  memoirs  of  colossal  achievements  scarcely 
recognizable  by  their  friends,  the  effects  of  which  are  mislead- 
ing. In  the  late  war,  and  by  the  chroniclers  of  that  war,  we 
were  denounced  as  rebels  and  traitors,  as  if  the  promoters 
of  such  epithets  were  ignorant  of  the  fact  that  in  our  Revo- 
lutionary war  Hancock,  Adams  and  their  compeers  were 
denounced  as  rebels  and  traitors,  while  Washington  and  Frank- 
lin broke  their  oaths  of  allegiance  to  join  this  despised  class. 
Indeed,  the  very  chimney-sweeps  in  the  streets  of  London  are 
said  to  have  spoken  of  our  rebellious  ancestors  as  their  subjects 
in  America.  Therefore,  with  a  conscience  void  of  offense,  while 
we  would  not  and  should  not  forget  our  hallowed  memories  of 
comradeship  and  of  common  suffering,  we  cherish  them  alone  as 
memories,  and  seek  no  willows  upon  which  to  hang  our  harps, 
no  rivers  by  which  to  sit  down  and  weep  while  we  sing  the  songs 
of  the  long  ago. 

Wars  have  existed  from  the  beginning  of  time;  and,  despite 
the  spread  of  Christianity  and  the  growth  of  enlightenment,  will 
probably  continue  until  time  shall  be  no  more.  In  the  war 
between  the  States  there  was  but  little  of  malice,  of  vengeful- 
ness  and  vindictiveness.  As  to  its  origin  there  is  little  proba- 
bility of  our  agreeing  so  long  as  it  is  insisted  that  the  North 
fought  chiefly  for  the  eradication  of  slavery  and  the  South  for 
its  perpetuation.    At  the  formation  of  this  government 


SLAVERY 

existed  in  every  State.  New  England,  which  ultimately  became 
the  principal  theatre  of  free-soilism  and  abolition  agitation,  was  at 
one  time  more  interested  in  the  slave  trade  than  any  other  section 
of  our  country.  It  is  not  mere  speculation  to  declare  that  had  her 
soil  and  climate  been  adapted  to  the  cultivation  and  production 
of  the  chief  staples  of  the  South  she  would  have  recognized  it 
as  a  great  outrage  to  have  been  compelled  to  relinquish  so  profit- 
able an  institution  without  her  free  consent.  By  prospective 
enactments  our  Northern  friends  gradually  abolished  slavery, 
and  their  slaves  were  sent  South  and  sold.  The  money  arising 
from  such  sales  was  carried  North,  invested  in  manufactories, 
ships  and  brick  walls.  Their  section  prospered  and  we  rejoice 
in  their  prosperity  as  a  part  of  our  common  country.  In  an 
address  delivered  by  Mr.  Evarts  before  the  New  England  Soci- 
ety he  said  that  the  Puritan  believed  in  every  man  attending  to 
his  own  business,  but  he  believed  every  man's  business  was  his 
own.  There  is  a  great  deal  of  truth  portrayed  in  this  sport- 
ive suggestion.  Having  profitably  escaped  from  this  "great 
iniquity,"  their  restless  intellectuality  early  prompted  them  to 
express  their  abhorrence  of  slavery.  The  great  body  of  Ameri- 
can people  really  cared  very  little  about  this  institution,  or,  at 
least,  if  they  deprecated  it  they  recognized  it  as  a  matter  of 
local  legislation,  for  which  they  were  not  directly  responsible; 
therefore,  the  question  of  its  abolition  for  over  half  a  century 
made  but  little  headway,  and  only  became  a  potential  element 
of  discord  when  it  was  discovered  that  its  agitation  would  have 
the  effect  of  securing  the  ascendency  of  one  of  the  great  politi- 
cal parties  of  the  country.  As  slavery  only  obtained  in  the 
minor  section  its  agitation,  on  sectional  grounds,  ultimately  had 
the  effect  of  promoting  a  crisis  which  enabled  the  ambitious  and 
aspiring  politicians  to  inflame  the  passions  of  their  followers 
until  they  were  prepared  to  see  their  country  plunged  into  a  war, 
which  the  border  States,  led  by  Virginia,  did  all  that  lay  in  their 
power  to  avert.     Recognizing  the  weakness  of  this  institution, 


as  well  as  the  fact  that  they  were  numerically  greatly  in  the 
minority,  the  slave-holding  States  simply  asked  to  be  "let  alone." 
But  as  it  was  threatened  that  they  should  he  surrounded  bv  a 
cordon  of  free  States  until  slavery  had  "stung  itself  to  death,"  and 
that  this  government  could  not  exist  "half  free  and  half  slave," 
the  purposes  of  the  dominant  section  became  so  manifest  the 
Southern  States  felt  that,  in  justice  to  themselves,  they  could  no 
longer  remain  quiet.  The  causes  for  this  agitation  had  their 
existence  in  the  colonial  era,  when  slavery  was  universal;  and 
the  settlement  was  postponed  on  account  of  the  difficulty  of 
arriving  at  a  satisfactory  solution.     Two  irreconcilable  theories  of 

POPULAR  GOVERNMENT 

were  at  the  outset  proposed.  The  one  advocated  by  Mr. 
Hamiltou  contemplated  a  strong  centralized  authority,  fash- 
ioned after  that  of  a  limited  monarchy;  the  other,  which  was 
proposed  by  Mr.  Jefferson,  recognized  the  people  as  the  source 
of  all  power,  and  insisted  that  they  should  be  left  as  free 
and  uutrammeled  from  governmental  control  as  its  exigen- 
cies might  demand.  The  one  contemplated  a  magnificent  cen- 
tral government,  with  that  ostentation  and  parade  that  keeps 
the  masses  in  awe;  the  other  a  simple,  economic,  democratic 
government,  regulated  and  governed  by  the  people.  The  fol- 
lowers of  these  statesmen  were  known  by  the  party  names  of 
Federalists  and  Republicans.  The  elder  Adams  was  the  first 
President  of  the  Federalists,  and  during  his  administration 
and  with  his  approval  the  Alien  and  Sedition  laws  were 
passed,  the  effect  of  which  was  to  abridge,  if  not  imperil,  the 
freedom  of  the  press  in  its  criticism  upon  public  officials.  This 
measure,  with  others  of  an  unpopular  nature,  so  outraged  public 
sentiment  as  to  elect  Mr.  Jefferson,  the  apostle  of  Democracy,  to 
succeed  Mr.  Adams  by  an  overwhelming  majority,  and  the  views 
he  entertained  and  ably  advocated  laid  the  foundation  for  that 
great  popular  approval  which  maintained  his  party  in  power, 
with  but  brief  intervals  of  interruption,  from  that  time  up  to 
the  beginning  of  the  war.     The  student  of  history  will  discover 


that  the  institution  of  slavery  played  a  minor  part  in  the  politi- 
cal agitations  of  this  country  so  long  as  our  politics  related 
alone  to  questions  of  national  policy.  The  first  serious  difficulty 
of  more  than  local  significance  which  threatened  our  institu- 
tions arose  from  the  imposition  of  an  excise  tax  on  distilled 
spirits,  known  as  the  "Whisky  Rebellion."  The  second,  from 
the  hostility  of  the  New  England  States  to  the  war  of  1812, 
which  seriously  interfered  with  their  commercial  traffic.  So 
great  was  this  discontent  that  a  convention  was  called  to  meet 
at  Hartford,  Conn.,  which  had  in  view  the  secession  of  the 
States  represented  from  the  Union.  In  1820  was  passed  what 
is  known  as  the  Missouri  Compromise,  which  in  effect  was  simply 
a  truce  between  two  antagonistic  revenue  systems,  while  the  nulli- 
fication movement  was  directed  against  the  tariff  system.  So  that 
up  to  this  time  the  chief  complaint  against  any  legislation  of 
our  country  arose  from  dissatisfaction  to  its  economic  system. 

Prior  to  the  war  the  North  had  devoted  herself  chiefly  to  trade 
and  manufacturing,  to  mechanic  arts  and  industrial  pursuits, 
while  the  South,  owing  to  its  easier  lines  of  life,  the  fertility  of 
its  soil,  with  its  genial  climate  and  "peculiar  institution,"  had 
turned  her  attention  to  the  science  of  politics  and  a  consideration 
of  governmental  affairs,  the  cousequeuce  of  which  was  that  the 
controlling  voice  and  influence  in  the  councils  of  the  nation 
rested  with  her.  As  the  North,  by  its  industry  and  enterprise, 
grew  in  wealth  and  the  development  of  a  more  liberal  educa- 
tion, she  became  impatient  and  restless  under  this  control,  and 
resolved  at  all  hazards  to  escape  from  it.  Free-soilism  and  abo- 
litionism, which  up  to  this  time  had  been  the  obedient  hand-maid 
to  any  party  that  would  lend  its  co-operation,  were  believed  to 
be  the  potential  elements  by  which  to  arouse  the  apprehensions 
of  the  South  as  to  the  security  of  slavery  and  thus  tend  to  the 
arrangement  of  parties  on  sectional  lines.  From  this  time  for- 
ward the  leading  statesmen  of  the  South  were  denounced  and 
vilified  as  aristocrats  and  slave-drivers;  and  on  the  recurrence 
of  every  national  contest  this  new  party  resorted  to  every  device 
to  create  animosities  between  the  sections.     At  this   time  the 


8 


Democratic  party  was  so  strong  it  became  factional,  and  was 
finally  disrupted  through  the  political  jealousy  of  its  leaders. 
In  consequence  of  their  division  in  the  ensuing  election  four 
presidential  candidates  were  offered  for  the  suffrage  of  the  peo- 
ple, and  Mr.  Lincoln  was  elected.  As  it  was  the  first  time  in 
the  history  of  our  country  that  a  President  had  been  elected  by 
a  purely  sectional  vote,  and  a  large  portion  of  his  followers  were 
believed  to  be  intent  on  either  the  abolition  of  slavery  or  a  dis- 
ruption of  the  Union,  the  gravest  apprehensions  were  felt.  The 
situation  at  that  time  is  so  lucidly  and  graphically  described  in 
the  memoir  of  Richard  H.  Dana,  recently  prepared  by  Mr. 
Adams,  Minister  to  England  under  Mr.  Lincoln's  administra- 
tion, I  cannot  better  present  the  matter  than  by  using  his  lan- 
guage: "  Looking  back  on  it  now,  after  the  lapse  of  nearly  thirty 
years,  it  is  curious  to  see  how  earnestly  all  played  their  parts  and 
how  essential  to  the  great  catastrophe  all  those  parts  were.  The 
extremists  on  both  sides  were  urging  the  country  to  immediate 
blows,  regardless  of  consequences,  and  by  so  doing  they  were 
educating  it  to  the  necessary  point  when  the  hour  should  come. 
Had  the  Southern  extremists  prevailed,  and  the  Southern  blood 
been  fired  by  an  assault  on  Fort  Sumter  in  January,  the  slave 
States  would  probably  have  been  swept  into  a  general  insurrec- 
tion while  Buchanan  was  still  President,  with  Floyd  as  his  Sec- 
retary of  War.  '  Had  this  occurred  it  is  difficult  now  to  see  how 
the  government  could  have  been  preserved.  The  Southern 
extremists,  therefore,  when  they  urged  immediate  action  were, 
from  the  Southern  point  of  view,  clearly  right.  Every  day  then 
lost  was  a  mistake,  and,  as  the  result  proved,  an  irreparable  mis- 
take. On  the  other  hand,  had  the  extremists  of  the  North 
prevailed  in  their  demand  for  immediate  action  they  would 
in  the  most  effective  way  possible  have  played  the  game  of 
their  opponents.  Fortunately  they  did  not  prevail,  but  their 
exhortations  to  action  and  denunciations  of  every  attempt  at 
a  compromise  educated  the  country  to  a  fighting  point." 

That   large  and   respectable  body  of  patriotic    citizens    who 
were   wedded  to  the  Uniou    and    dreaded    war,  and  above  all 


9 


things  a  civil  war,  were  in  favor  of  any  compromise  which 
might  result  in  preserving  harmony  between  the  sections.  It 
is  difficult  at  this  time  to  appreciate  the  excitement  of  those 
stormy  days.  Moderation  and  silence  was  but  little  understood 
or  appreciated.  The  firing  upon  Sumter  fired  the  hearts  of 
both  sections,  and  followed,  as  it  was,  by  a  call  of  Mr.  Lincoln 
for  troops  to  make  war  upon  the  States,  promptly  welded  the 
States  of  the  South  into  one  common  bond.  They  felt  that  if 
they  must  fight  they  preferred  to  fight  the  stranger  rather  than 
their  neighbors  who  were  contending  for  the  maintenance  of 
their  own  rights,  and  that  to  yield  to  the  party  in  power  at  such 
a  juncture  was  but  to  invite  further  aggressions  on  their  rights, 
and  that  this  would  involve  their  subjugation  with  the  over- 
throw of  their  most  cherished  institutions.  That  no  perma- 
nent compromise  was  practicable,  and  that  war  at  some  time 
was  inevitable  must  now  be  clear  to  all ;  that  the  war  has 
taken  place;  that  the  abolition  of  slavery  has  occurred;  that  the 
South  has  been  thrown  open  to  settlement,  to  free  and  unem- 
barrassed communication  to  the  outside  world;  that  the  greatness 
of  our  section  and  the  capabilities  of  our  people  to  maintain  our 
free  institutions  has  been  manifested,  and  that  the  war  has  proved 
a  great  educator  to  all,  is  now  conceded.  In  turning  over  the 
government  to  our  Northern  frieuds  the  much  misrepresented 
people  of  the  South  can  point  with  pride  to  the  fact  that  the 
declaration  that  "these  united  colonies  are,  and  of  right  ought 
to  be,  free,"  was  penned  by  a  Southern  statesman  ;  that  this  decla- 
ration was  made  good  under  the  leadership  of  a  Southern  gen- 
eral ;  that  "  the  father  of  the  Constitution "  was  a  Southern 
man;  that  through  a  President,  a  Southern  man,  our  bounda- 
ries were  extended  from  ocean  to  ocean  and  from  the  Gulf  to 
the  lakes;  and  that  prior  to  the  late  war  all  assaults  against 
the  integrity  of  the  Union  were  compromised  and  accommo- 
dated mainly  through  Southern  statesmanship.  When,  after  fifty 
years  of  its  existence,  the  government  was  turned  over  to  the 
statesmen  of  the  North,  in  the  language  of  one  of  her  gifted  and 
eloquent  sons,  the  South  surrendered  it  to  her  successors  "match- 
2 


10 


less  in  her  power,  incalculable  in   her  strength,  the  power  and 
the  glory  of  the  world." 
It  is  of 

STEPHEN    D.    RAMSEUR 

that  we  now  propose  to  speak — his  life,  his  services  and  his 
lamented  death.  In  the  Piedmont  section  of  our  State  there  is 
one  county  named  in  honor  of  that  Revolutionary  hero,  Benja- 
min Lincoln,  who  at  the  time  was  in  command  of  the  Conti- 
nental soldiers  in  Charleston  harbor,  fighting  for  the  freedom 
and  independence  of  the  American  colonies.  This  county  was 
originally  a  part  of  Mecklenburg,  the  "  Hornets'  Nest"  of  the 
Revolution,  and  her  sons  partook  of  the  sturdy  patriotism  of  their 
neighbors.  In  her  territorial  limits  was  fought  the  battle  of  Ram- 
seur's  Mill  and  other  stirring  scenes  of  like  nature.  Lincoln, 
though  one  of  the  smallest  counties  in  the  State,  gave  to  history 
such  well-known  Revolutionary  names  as  Brevard,  Dickson, 
Chronicle  and  others,  which,  though  less  generally  known,  were  no 
less  patriotic  and  determined  in  upholding  their  principles.  The 
county-seat  of  Lincoln,  with  that  want  of  imagination  and  origi- 
nality for  which  Americans  are  celebrated,  is  called  Lincolnton,  a 
small  village  long  distinguished  for  the  culture,  refinement  and 
unobtrusive  hospitality  of  its  people.  While  her  citizens  were  not 
wealthy  they  enjoyed  such  affluence  as  enabled  them  to  be  inde- 
pendent and  self-reliant.  About  the  year  1837  there  was  oorn  in 
Lincoln  county  three  children,  each  of  whom  became  distinguished 
in  war  before  attaining  his  twenty-seventh  year,  and  also  from 
among  her  accomplished  daughters  came  the  wives  of  Stonewall 
Jackson,  Lieutenant  General  D.  H.  Hill  and  Brigadier  General 
Rufus  Barringer.  Ramseur,  Hoke  and  R.  D.  Johnson  were  born 
within  a  year  of  each  other,  and  for  distinguished  services  in  the 
field  were  promoted  and  entitled  to  wear  the  coveted  general's 
wreath  on.  their  collars.  This  same  county  gave  to  Alabama 
Brigadier  General  John  H.  Forney,  a  gallant  soldier,  who  is 
now,  and  for  years  has  been,  one  of  her  most  faithful  and  trusted 
members  in  the  national   Congress.     Born   and    reared   amidst 


11 


such  favorable  and  stimulating  surroundings,  it  is  not  a  matter 
of  surprise  that  these  young  men  should  have  been  prompted  by 
an  honorable  emulation  to  secure  those  prizes  that  were  justly 
their  own,  for  "  blood  will  tell."  Entirely  free  from  the 
"  pomp  and  circumstance  of  glorious  war,"  ever  kind  and  acces- 
sible to  those  about  him,  skillful  and  able  in  the  field,  Major 
General  Hoke  readily  became  the  idol  of  his  soldiers.  While 
not  attaining  to  so  high  a  rank,  Brigadier  General  Johnson  was 
an  able  and  fearless  soldier.  The  life  of  Ramseur,  while  briefer, 
was  not  less  brilliant  and  attractive  than  that  of  any  of  his  cotem- 
poraries.  It  has  been  eloquently  said  by  another:  "A  book  of 
dates,  a  table  of  dynasties,  a  succession  of  kings,  or  popes,  or 
presidents — these  in  one  aspect  are  history;  but  if  they  are  to 
attract,  or  impress,  or  enduringly  influence  us,  behind  these  dry 
bones  of  the  historian's  cabinet  there  must  glow  and  palpitate 
the  living  lineaments  of  a  man." 

But  should  we  choose  an  element  of  pre-eminent  power  to 
interest  mankind,  that  element  must  consist  of  the  life  and  deeds 
of  some  prominent  actor  upon  the  great  theatre  of  war.  While 
many  admire,  enjoy  and  are  improved  by  the  triumphs  of  the  im- 
agination and  the  reason  the  impulse  and  the  heart  of  the  multi- 
tude in  every  age  and  clime  have  been  taken  captive  by  the  great 
actors  rather  than  by  the  great  thinkers  among  men.  This  has 
been  true  from  the  time  of  Joshua  until  that  of  Mahomet,  and 
from  thence  to  the  present  time,  and  we  must  conclude  that  the 
multitude  is  right.  Even  the  eloquence  of  Demosthenes,  the  ora- 
tory of  Cicero,  the  glowing  periods  of  Longinus,  the  beauties  of 
Gibbon,  the  orphic  rhythm  of  Milton,  the  profound  reasoning  of 
Bacon  and  the  marvelous  creations  of  Shakespeare,  all  have  their 
enthusiastic  admirers,  but  the  heart  of  the  multitude  goes  out  in 
profound  admiration  for  the  courage,  the  genius  and  marvelous 
achievements  of  the  great  conquerors  of  the  world.  It  attends 
them  not  only  in  their  triumps,  but  accompanies  them  with  its 
sympathy  in  disappointments  and  misfortunes.  So  mauy  elements 
are  combined  to  constitute  the  truly  great  commander  I  will  not 
endeavor  to  enumerate  them,  but  will  content  myself  by  saying 


12 


that  the  popular  sentimeot  that  the  ideal  general  displays  his 
greatest  power  upon  the  battle  field  is  an  error,  of  which  the  late 
Von  Moltke  is  a  notable  example.  His  greatest  achievements 
consist  in  so  preparing  and  mobilizing  his  forces  as  to  virtually 
secure  his  success  before  encountering  his  adversary.  Our  Revo- 
lutionary period  supplies  as  with  an  example  of  one  of  those 
matchless  leaders,  who,  while  he  lost  the  majority  of  the  great 
battles  in  which  he  was  engaged,  yet,  even  amidst  the  hardships 
and  sufferings  of  a  "Valley  Forge,"  by  his  forethought,  his 
patience  and  unselfish  patriotism  could  win  aud  retain  the  confi- 
dence and  admiration  of  his  troops  until  he  led  them  to  the 
achievement  of  results  which  won  the  admiration  of  mankind. 
And  our  late  war  gave  us  the  example  of  one  who  in  all  respects 
was  a  fitting  complement  of  the  former.  Peerless  in  victory  aud 
in  adversity,  he  was  matchless.  Among  the  many  able  general 
officers  which  the  exigencies  of  the  late  war  called  to  the  front, 
Ramseur  is  entitled  to  rank  high,  and  gave  the  most  flattering 
promises  of  still  greater  achievements. 

Stephen  D.  Ramseur,  the  second  child  of  Jacob  A.  and 
Lucy  M.  Ramseur,  had  Revolutionary  blood  in  his  veins 
through  John  Wilfong,  a  hero  who  was  wounded  at  King's 
Mountain  and  fought  at  Eutaw  Springs.  He  was  born  in  Lin- 
colnton  the  31st  day  of  May,  1837.  His  surroundings  were 
well  calculated  to  promote  a  well  developed  character  and  a 
strong  self-relying  manhood.  His  parents  were  members  of 
the  Presbyterian  Church,  and  did  not  neglect  'to  see  their  son 
properly  instructed  in  their  religious  tenets.  They  were  pos- 
sessed of  ample  means  for  their  section,  and  gave  to  him  the 
best  advantages  of  social  and  intellectual  improvement  without 
being  exposed  to  the  "devices  and  snares  of  the  outer  world." 
To  the  strong  aud  beautiful  character  of  his  mother,  Ramseur  is 
said  to  have  been  indebted  for  the  greater  part  of  his  success  in 
life.  In  preparing  the  life  of  Dr.  Thornwell,  Rev.  Dr.  Palmer 
has  asserted  a  truth  which  may  be  classed  as  a  proverb:  "The 
pages  of  history  will  be  searched  in  vain  for  a  great  man  who 
had  a  fool  for  his  mother."     In  writing;  of  her  the  Hon.  David 


13 


Schenck,  who  married  Sallie  Wilfong,  her  second  daughter, 
says:  "As  a  young  lady  she  was  said  to  have  been  beautiful  and 
attractive.  I  knew  her  intimately  from  1849  to  her  death.  She 
was  a  woman  of  great  force  of  character.  To  a  judgment  clear 
and  firm  she  united  gentleness,  tenderness  and  sympathy.  Her 
manners  were  easy  and  courteous  and  fascinating.  She  was  an 
active  and  devoted  member  of  the  Presbyterian  Church,  and 
brought  up  her  children  in  the  teachings  of  the  shorter  catechism 
from  their  early  youth.  It  was  to  her  that  General  Ramseur 
owed  the  mental  and  moral  foundations  of  his  character."  He 
received  his  preparatory  training  in  the  schools  of  Lincolnton 
and  in  the  village  of  Milton,  then  he  matriculated  at  David- 
son College,  entered  the  Freshman  class  and  passed  eighteen 
months  at  this  institution.  He  early  displayed  that  decisiou  of 
character  and  force  of  will  that  distinguished  him  in  after  life. 
He  had  an  ardent  longing  for  a  military  career,  and  though  dis- 
appointed in  his  efforts  to  secure  an  appointment  as  a  cadet  at 
the  United  States  Military  Academy,  he  was  not  cast  down. 
Through  the  aid  of  General  D.  H.  Hill,  then  a  professor  at 
Davidson,  hi.s  second  application  was  successful.  He  was  given 
his  appointment  to  the  Academy  by  that  sturdy  old  Roman,  the 
Hon.  Burton  Craige,  who  before  the  days  of  rotation  in  office 
was  long  an  able  and  distinguished  member  of  Congress  from 
our  State.  Ramseur  spent  the  usual  term  of  five  years  at  the 
Academy  and  was  graduated  with  distinction  in  the  class  of  1860. 
Among  his  class-*mates  of  national  reputation  were  Generals 
James  H.  Wilson  and  Merritt,  Colonel  Wilson,  Commandant  at 
United  States  Military  Academy,  and  Colonel  A.  C.  M.  Penning- 
ton, U.  S.  A. 

Through  his  courtesy,  sincerity  and  the  conscientious  discharge 
of  his  duties  while  at  West  Point  he  formed  many  valued 
friendships  both  among  his  fellow-students  and  in  the  corps. 
After  graduating,  Ramseur  entered  the  light  artillery  service 
and  was  commissioned  Second  Lieutenant  by  brevet.  He  was 
in  the  United  States  army  but  a  short  time  prior  to  the  break- 
ing  out    of  hostilities,   and  during    that  time  was  assigned   to 


14 


duty  at  Fortress  Monroe.  Id  April,  1861,  he  resigned  his  com- 
mission in  the  old  army  and  promptly  tendered  his  sword  to  the 
Provisional  Government  of  the  Confederate  States,  then  assem- 
bled at  Montgomery.  By  this  government  he  was  commissioned 
First  Lieutenant  of  Artillery  and  ordered  to  the  department  of 
Mississippi.  About  this  time  a  battery  of  artillery  was  being 
formed  at  Raleigh,  whose  membership  was  comprised  of  the 
flower  of  the  patriotic  youth  of  the  State.  It  was  called  "the 
Ellis  Artillery,"  in.  honor  of  our  then,  very  able  and  patri- 
otic Governor,  whose  early  death  by  phthisis  was  an  irreparable 
loss  to  our  State  in  the  early  days  of  the  war.  The  officers  were 
Manly,  Saunders,  Guion  and  Bridgers,  who,  owing  to  our  long 
peace  establishment,  were  not  familiar  with  even  the  rudiments 
of  the  drill.  Therefore,  with  more  patriotism  than  selfish  emu- 
lation, they  promptly  applied  through  Lieutenant  Saunders  to 
their  friend  the  Governor  for  some  suitable  and  reliable  com- 
mander. With  a  pardonable  pride  in  so  fine  a  company,  Gov- 
ernor Ellis  had  doubtless  previously  considered  this  subject  in 
his  own  mind.  At  all  events,  so  soon  as  the  request  was  made 
known  he  promptly  replied:  "I  have  the  very  man.  You 
couldn't  get  a  better.  It  is  Lieutenant  Ramseur."  Thereupon 
a  dispatch  was  sent  tendering  him  the  command,  which  reached 
him  on  his  way  to  his  new  field  of  duty.  He  accepted  the  unso- 
licited but  none  the  less  coveted  distinction  of  repelling  the 
invasion  of  his  native  State  in  command  of  her  own  sous,  and 
repaired  at  once  to  Raleigh.  On  arriving  at  the  camp  of 
instruction  near  this  place  he  found  a  first-class  command  of 
raw  recruits  without  equipments  or  discipline  or  the  remotest 
conception  of  the  magnitude  of  the  great  contest  before  them. 
Many  had  joined  the  artillery  because  it  was  known  to  be  one  of 
the  higher  and  more  attractive  branches  of  the  service.  They 
concurred  with  Secretary  Seward,  that  the  war  was  a  matter  of 
a  few  months,  or  else  with  Vice-President  Stephens,  that  for 
the  defense  of  their  firesides  gentlemen  should  not  be  kept  in 
camps  of  instruction  and  discipline,  but  permitted  to  remain  at 
their  homes,  for  they  were  capable  of  judging  when  the  enemy 


15 


should  be  met,  and  by  what  methods  most  easily  defeated.  If 
they  had  read  of  war  it  was,  in  books  which  gave  it  such  gloss 
and  glamour  as  made  every  battle  magnificent,  if  not  positively 
delectable,  for  such,  indeed,  is  the  general  current  of  popular 
history.  Not  so  Ramseur,  who  had  been  taught  in  the  school 
where  the  art  of  war  is  thoroughly  explained,  the  discipline  and 
drudgery  of  soldier  life  daily  seen  and  the  distinctions  and 
advantages  of  rank  recognized  and  respected.  His  education 
and  experience  led  him  to  concur  with  Viscount  Woolsey,  who, 
in  speaking  of  war,  declares  that  active  service  teaches  us  some 
painful  lessons:  "That  all  men  are  not  heroes;  that  the  quality 
as  well  as  quantity  of  their  courage  differs  largely;  that  some 
men  are  positively  cowards;  that  there  always  is,  always  has 
been,  and  always  will  be,  a  good  deal  of  skulking  and  malinger- 
ing; it  teaches  us  not  to  expect  too  much  from  any  body  of  men; 
above  all  things  to  value  the  truly  brave  men  as  worth  more 
than  all  the  talkers  and  spouters  who  have  ever  squabbled  for 
place  in  the  arena  of  politics."  Ramseur  was  well  satisfied  with 
the  esprit  de  corps  of  his  command,  and  resolved  to  employ  it  to 
the  best  advantage.  To  do  this  his  men  must  have  a  knowledge 
of  tactics,  discipline,  and  subordination  was  indispensable.  He 
had  considered  all  this,  determined  what  was  right,  and  whether 
it  consorted  with  the  wishes  and  inclinations  of  those  who 
belonged  to  the  command  or  not  was  not  material  with  him. 
Indeed,  duty  was  his  polar  star.  He  did  not  willingly  sever  his 
connection  from  the  old  army,  but  when  called  on  to  elect  whether 
he  would  fight  for  or  against  his  people  and  his  State  there  was 
no  hesitancy,  no  doubt  as  to  where  his  duty  lay,  and  he  threw 
his  whole  soul  and  energies  into  the  cause  of  the  South.  This 
company  was  composed  of  twelve  months  men.  Ramseur 
wanted  soldiers,  and  wanted  them  for  the  war.  This  being 
known,  some,  a  few  members  of  the  company,  began  to  become 
discontented.  They  feared  they  were  to  be  treated  as  regular 
soldiers,  and  insisted  that  inasmuch  as  they  had  volunteered  only 
for  twelve  mouths  that  should  the  company  be  reorganized  for 
the  war  they  were  entitled  to  withdraw.     They  were  good  men 


16 


and  did  not  desire  to  leave  the  service:  they  were  allowed  to  with- 
draw, and  in  other  fields  made  valient  soldiers.  The  reorgani- 
zation of  the  battery  was  soon  completed,  all  elements  of  discord 
eliminated,  and,  under  the  skillful  management  and  discipline  of 
its  new  Captain,  made  admirable  progress.  The  great  thing  now 
was  to  secure  its  guns  and  equipments,  and  in  this  the  company 
was  aided  by  its  name  aud  the  patriotic  ardor  of  the  citizens  of 
Raleigh.  At  this  time  there  was  only  one  field  battery  availa- 
ble, and  for  it  another  company  was  applying.  The  name  and 
personnel  of  the  Ellis  Artillery  won  the  prize,  while  the  volun- 
tary subscriptions  of  our  citizens  supplied  it  with  horses.  Being 
without  tents  or  suitable  parade  grounds,  Mr.  William  Boy- 
Ian  tendered  it  his  residence  and  out-buildings  for  shelter  and 
ample  grounds  as  a  camp  for  instruction.  The  offer  was  accepted, 
and  here  the  company  received  that  impress  which,  when  called 
to  Virginia  and  brought  in  comparison  with  others,  carried  off 
the  palm  for  their  soldierly  bearing,  their  splendid  drill  and 
handsome  equipment.  In  the  latter  part  of  the  summer  of  1861 
the  company  was  ordered  to  Smithfield,  Va.,  where  the  fall  and 
winter  months  were  spent  without  graver  duties  than  occasional 
reconnoissances  to  and  from  Norfolk.  McClellan's  army  was 
now  near  Washington,  confronted  by  that  of  General  Joe  Johns- 
ton, while  the  public  mind  of  the  North  was  becoming  very 
impatient  at  its  inaction,  and  began  to  renew  the  cry  of  "On  to 
Richmond!"  which  had  been  so  popular  before  the  inglorious 
defeat  of  the  Federal  army  at  Manassas.  McClellan,  unable  to 
resist  this  clamor,  determined  to  endeavor  to  reach  the  Con- 
federate capital  by  way  of  the  lower  Chesapeake,  and  on  trans- 
ports transferred  his  army  to  the  Peninsular  and  sat  down  before 
Yorktown.  It  is  estimated  that  McClellau  at  this  time  had  an 
army  of  not  less  thau  one  hundred  and  twenty  thousand  men  fit 
for  duty.  This  force  was  to  be  confronted  and  delayed  until 
Johnston  could  arrive  by  thirteen  thousand  Confederates  under 
J.  B.  Magruder,  who,  in  order  to  accomplish  this  purpose,  was 
compelled  to  cover  a  front  of  thirteen  miles  with  his  small  force. 
The  woi'k  was  done,  and  with  consummate  ability,  and  it  is  no 


17 

disparagement  to  others  to  say   there   was  no  officer  in  either 
army  better  qualified   to  play   such  a  game  of  bluff  than   the 
genial,  whole-souled  Magruder.     Ramseur  was  ordered  to  report 
with  his   battery  at  Yorktown.     When   he  arrived  Magruder. 
who  had  known  him  in  the  old  army,  detached   him   from   his 
battery  and  placed  him   in  command  of  all  the  artillery  on  his 
right,     Here  Ramseur  saw  his  first  active  service  in  the  field, 
aud  received  the  promotion  of  Major.     On   the  arrival   of  the 
forces  of  McClellari    a  campaign  of    maneuvering   commenced 
which   delayed  advance  for  over   a   month.     In   the   meantime 
Ramseur  had  been  elected  Lieutenant  Colonel  of  the  Third  Regi- 
ment of  A'olunteers,  but  declined  to  leave  his  battery.     Subse- 
quently, and  before  serious  demonstrations  had  begun,  he  was 
elected  Colonel  of  the  Forty-ninth  Regiment  of  Infantry.     He 
was  still  reluctant  to  leave  his  battery,  but  appreciating  the  fact 
that  Manly  and  its  other  officers  were  then   well  qualified  for 
any  duties  that  might  be  required  of  them,  through  the  per- 
suasion of  friends  he  was  induced  to  accept  the  promotion.    Sub- 
sequent events  soon  justified  his  confidence  in  this  artillery  com- 
pany.    At  the  battle  of  Williamsburg,  where  it  received  its  first 
baptism  of  fire,  it  gathered  fadeless  laurels  which   it   was  des- 
tined to  wear  throughout  the  war  with  a  fame  still  augmenting. 
The  Forty-ninth  Regiment  was  composed  of  raw  recruits  who 
were  gathered  together  in   the  camp  of  instruction  at  Raleigh, 
organized  into  companies  and  regiments  and  instructed  as  to  its 
duties  in  the  field.     With   his  accustomed   energy  and   ability 
Ramseur  immediately  addressed  himself  to  the  labor  of  making 
soldiers  out  of  these  new  recruits.     By  constant  drill   he  soon 
hud  his  regiment  in  fair  condition;  and,  as  the  emergency   was 
pressing,  he  moved  with  it  to  the  point   of  danger.     The   regi- 
ment was  assigned  to  the  brigade  of  an  old  army  officer,  General 
Robert  Ransom,  who  was  soon  to  become  a  distinguished  Major 
General  of  cavalry  in    the   Army  of  Northern   Virginia  and 
thence  to  be  assigned  to  the  command  of  all  the  cavalry  under 
Longstreet  in  his  operations  in  the  West.     In  the  series  of  bat- 
tles around   Richmond,  known   as  the   "Seven   Days'   Fight," 
3 


18 


Ramseur,  while  gallantly  leading  his  regiment  in  the  battle  of 
Malvern  Hill,  received  a  severe  and  disabling  wound  through 
the  right  arm,  but  declined  to  leave  the  field  until  the  action  was 
over.  This  wound  necessitated  his  removal  to  Richmond,  where 
he  was  detained  for  over  a  month  before  his  injury  permitted 
him  to  enjoy  the  much-coveted  pleasure  of  a  visit  to  his  home. 
Indeed,  the  arm  was  broken,  and  he  was  ever  afterwards  com- 
pelled to  wear  it  in  a  sling. 

In  his  report  General  Ransom  speaks  of  the  conspicuous  gal- 
lantry of  Ramseur  and  his  men,  and  it  was  by  reason  of  his 
soldierly  qualities  mainly,  displayed  upon  this  occasion,  that  his 
promotion  to  the  rank  of 

BRIGADIER    GENERAL 

soon  followed.  While  still  at  home  wounded  Ramseur  received 
notice  of  his  unexpected  promotion.  At  first  he  doubted  whether 
one  so  young  should  accept  so  responsible  a  position,  and  was  dis- 
posed to  decline  the  promotion.  His  friends  did  not  coincide  in  his 
views,  and  through  their  persuasion  he  was  induced  to  accept  it. 
In  October,  1862,  with  his  arm  still  disabled,  he  went  to  Rich- 
mond to  make  a  decision  in  regard  to  the  brigade  offered  him. 
While  there  he  called  upon  Mr.  Davis,  alike  distinguished  as  a 
soldier  and  a  statesman,  to  whom  he  expressed  the  fears  then 
agitating  his  mind.  In  that  affable  and  engaging  manner  pecu- 
liar to  himself,  Mr.  Davis  at  once  dismissed  any  suggestion  of 
his  declining,  and  on  the  contrary  urged  him  to  accept  the  com- 
mand, return  home  and  remain  until  he  had  entirely  recovered 
his  health  and  his  strength.  But  Ramseur  obeyed  only  in  part 
the  suggestions  of  his  Commander-in-chief.  He  accepted  the 
command  of  the  brigade  aud  went  at  once  to  the  Army  of 
Northern  Virginia,  and,  with  his  wound  still  green,  entered  upon 
the  discharge  of  his  duties.  This  brigade  was  then  composed 
of  the  Second  Regiment,  organized  and  instructed  by  that  able 
tactician,  scholarly  and  accomplished  gentleman,  Colonel  C.  C. 
Tew,  who  was  killed  at  Sharpsburg;  the  Fourth  by  the  chiv- 
alrous and   lamented   Brigadier  General   George  B.   Anderson, 


19 

who  died  of  wounds  received  at  Sharpsburg;  the  Fourteenth, 
before  its  reorganization,  was  commanded  and  instructed  by  that 
soldierly  and  ardent  North  Carolinian,  Brigadier  General  Junius 
Daniel,  who  fell  in  the  Spottsylvania  campaign  ere  his  commis- 
sion as  a  Major  General  had  reached  him;  and  the  Thirtieth 
by  Colonel  F.  M.  Parker,  the  brave  soldier  and  courteous  gen- 
tleman, of  whom  further  mention  will  be  made  during  the  course 
of  this  narrative.  Ramseur,  "like  apples  of -gold  in  pictures  of 
silver,"  was  aptly  and  fitly  chosen  the  worthy  commander  of 
this  distinguished  brigade,  and  immediately  addressed  himself  to 
its  reorganization.  His  admirable  qualifications  for  his  duties 
and  his  pure  and  chivalrous  character  were  soon  recognized  and 
appreciated  and  infused  new  life  and  spirit  into  the  command. 
Asa  disciplinarian  he  was  rigid;  as  a  tactician,  skillful;  as  a 
judge  of  men,  good;  as  a  redressor  of  wrongs,  prompt;  as  an 
officer,  courteous  and  urbane;  as  a  soldier,  fearless  and  chival- 
rous. He  early  commanded  the  respect  and  ultimately  won  the 
hearts  of  all  over  whom  he  held  command.  This  brigade  at 
the  time  he  assumed  command  was  in  Rodes'  Division  of  Jack- 
sou's  Corps.  Ramseur  remained  in  command  without  events  of 
any  particular  importance  occurring  until  he  entered  upon  his 

CHANCELLORSVILLE    CAMPAIGN. 

His  report  of  that  famous  battle  is  so  full  and  complete,  and  so 
clearly  displays  the  unselfish  and  chivalrous  nature  of  this  officer, 
I  am  confident  I  cannot  do  better  than  to  incorporate  it  as  a  part 
of  this  sketch.     It  reads  as  follows: 

"May  23,  1864. 

«SIR:_In  obedience  to  Orders  No.  — ,  dated  May  7th,  1863, 
I  have  the  honor  to  submit  the  following  report  of  the  opera- 
tions of  my  brigade  in  the  series  of  skirmishes  and  battles  open- 
ing at  Massaponax  Creek  and  ending  in  the  splendid  victory  at 
Chancellorsville : 

"  Wednesday  a.  m.,  April  29th,  the  brigade  was  placed  below 
Massaponax  Creek  to  dispute  the  enemy's  crossing,  and  remained 


20 


in  that  position,  occasionally  annoyed  by  their  artillery  (by  which 
I  lost  a  few  men)  and  kept  on  the  alert  by  picket  firing  until 
Thursday  evening,  when  we  were  withdrawn  to  a  point  near 
Hamilton's  Crossing. 

"Friday,  May  1st,  at  3  a.  M.,  we  were  aroused  for  the  march 
and  led  the  advance  of  Major  General  Rodes'  Division  in  the 
direction  of  Chancellorsville.  At  a  distance  of  seven  miles  from 
Fredericksburg  we  were  detached  from  our  own  division  and 
ordered  to  report  to  Major  General  Anderson,  when  we  advanced 
upon  the  enemy,  who  fell  back  in  confusion  before  our  sharp- 
shooters for  several  miles,  strewing  the  way  with  their  arms  and 
baggage,  this  brigade,  with  General  Posey  on  our  right  and  Gen- 
eral Wright  on  our  left,  for  upwards  perhaps  of  two  miles, 
being  in  advance.  About  6  P.  H.  we  found  the  foe  in  force  upon 
our  front  and  supported  by  batteries  that  poured  grape  unsparingly 
into  the  woods  through  which  we  were  still  advancing.  Night 
approaching  a  halt  was  ordered,  and  we  slept  on  our  arms  with 
a  strong  picket  line  on  the  outposts. 

"Saturday,  May  2d,  we  were  relieved  about  sunrise  and  shortly 
thereafter  marched  by  a  series  of  circuitous  routes  and  with  sur- 
passing strategy  to  a  position  in  the  rear  of  the  enemy,  whom 
at  about  5  p.  m.  we  were  ordered  to  attack. 

"This  brigade  was  directed  to  support  Brigadier  General  Col- 
quitt, with  orders  to  overlap  his  right  by  one  regiment,  and  was 
placed  accordingly.  At  the  command  we  advanced  with  the 
division,  preserving  a  distance  of  about  one  hundred  yards  in 
the  rear  of  General  Colquitt.  Brisk  firing  was  soon  heard  upon 
our  front  and  left,  indicating  that  General  Doles  had  encountered 
the  foe.  At  this  point  General  Colquitt  moved  by  the  right 
flank,  sending  me  word  by  an  officer  of  his  staff  that  the  enemy 
was  attempting  to  turn  his  right.  I  immediately  moved  by  the 
right  flank,  but  heard  no  firing  in  that  quarter.  Again  he  sent 
his  staff  officer  to  inform  me  that  the  enemy  was  passing  by  his 
right  flank,  when  I  directed  him  to  say  to  General  Colquitt  (in 
effect)  that  the  firing  indicated  a  sharp  fight  with  General  Doles, 
and  that  my  impression  was  that  his  support  was  needed  there, 


21 


and  that  I  would  take  care  of  his  right  flank.  General  Colquitt 
moved  to  the  front,  with  the  exception  of  one  regiment,  which 
continued  to  the  right.  I  then  pressed  on  by  the  right  flank  to 
meet  the  enemy  that  General  Colquitt's  staff  officer  twice  reported 
to  me  to  be  in  that  direction,  and  prosecuted  the  search  for  half 
a  mile  perhaps,  but  not  a  solitary  Yankee  was  to  be  seen.  I 
then  came  up  to  the  division  line  and  moved  by  the  left  flank  to 
the  support  of  General  Colquitt,  whose  men  were  resting  in  line 
of  battle  on  the  field  General  Doles  had  won. 

"Saturday  night  our  division  occupied  the  last  line  of  battle 
within  the  intrench rnents  from  which  the  routed  corps  of  Sigel 
had  fled  in  terror.  My  brigade  was  placed  perpendicular  to  the 
plank-road,  the  left  resting  on  the  road,  General  Doles  on  my 
right  and  Colonel  (E.  A.)  O'Neal,  commanding  Rodes'  Brigade, 
on  my  left.  I  placed  Colonel  (F.  M.)  Parker,  Thirtieth  North 
Carolina,  on  the  right  of  my  brigade;  Colonel  (R.  T.)  Bennett, 
Fourteenth  North  Carolina,  on  right  ceutre;  Colonel  (W.  R.) 
Cox,  Second  North  Carolina,  left  ceutre,  and  Colonel  (Bryan) 
Grimes,  Fourth  North  Carolina,  on  left. 

"Sunday,  May  3d,  the  division,  being  as  stated,  in  the  third  line 
of  battle,  advanced  about  9  o'clock  to  the  support  of  the  second 
line.  After  proceeding  about  one-fourth  of  a  mile  I  was  applied 
to  by  Major  (W.  J.)  Pegram  for  support  to  his  battery,  when  I 
detached  Colonel  Parker,  Thirtieth  North  Carolina,  for  this  pur- 
pose, with  orders  to  advance  obliquely  to  his  front  and  left  and 
join  me  after  his  support  should  be  no  longer  needed,  or  to  fight 
his  regiment  as  circumstances  might  require.  I  continued  to 
advance  to  the  first  line  of  breastworks,  from  which  the  enemy  had 
been  driven,  and  behind  which  I  found  a  small  portion  of  Paxton's 
Brigade  and  Jones'  Brigade,  of  Trimble's  Division.  Knowing  that 
a  general  advance  had  been  ordered,  I  told  these  troops  to  move 
forward.  Not  a  man  moved.  I  then  reported  this  state  of  things 
to  Major  General  Stuart,  who  directed  me  to  assume  command 
of  these  troops  and  compel  them  to  advance.  This  I  essayed  to 
do,  and,  after  fruitless  efforts,  ascertained  that  General  Jones  was 
not  on  the  field  and  that  Colonel  (T.  S.)  Garnett  had  been  killed, 


22 


I  reported  again  to  General  Stuart,  who  was  near,  and  requested 
permission  to  run  over  the  troops  in  my  front,  which  was  cheer- 
fully granted.  At  the  command  "Forward!"  my  brigade,  with 
a  shout,  cleared  the  breastworks  and  charged  the  enemy.  The 
Fourth  North  Carolina  (Colonel  Grimes)  and  seven  companies 
of  the  Second  North  Carolina  (Colonel  Cox)  drove  the  enemy 
before  them  until  they  had  taken  the  last  line  of  his  works, 
which  they  held  under  a  severe,  direct  and  enfilading  fire,  repul- 
sing several  assaults  on  this  portion  of  our  front.  The  Four- 
teenth North  Carolina  (Colonel  Bennett)  and  three  companies  of 
the  Second  were  compelled  to  halt  some  one  hundred  and  fifty 
or  two  hundred  yards  in  rear  of  the  troops  just  mentioned  for 
the  reason  that  the  troops  on  my  right  had  failed  to  come  up 
and  the  enemy  was  in  heavy  force  on  my  right  flank.  Had 
Colonel  Bennett  advanced  the  enemy  could  easily  have  turned  my 
right.  As  it  was,  my  line  was  subjected  to  a  horrible  enfilading 
fire,  by  which  I  lost  severely.  I  saw  the  danger  threatening 
my  right,  and  sent  several  times  to  Jones'  Brigade  to  come  to  my 
assistance,  and  I  also  went  back  twice  myself  aud  exhorted  and 
ordered  it  (officers  and  men)  to  fill  up  the  gap  (some  five  or  six 
hundred  yards)  on  my  right,  but  all  in  vain.  I  then  reported 
to  General  Rodes  that  unless  support  was  sent  to  drive  the 
enemy  from  my  right  I  would  have  to  fall  back.  In  the  mean- 
time Colonel  Parker  of  the  Thirtieth  North  Carolina,  approach- 
ing from  the  battery  on  the  right,  suddenly  fell  upon  the  flank 
and  repulsed  a  heavy  column  of  the  enemy  who  were  moving  to 
get  in  my  rear  by  my  right  flank,  some  three  or  four  hundred  of 
them  surrendering  to  him  as  prisoners  of  war.  The  enemy  still 
held  his  strong  position  in  the  ravine  on  my  right,  so  that  the 
Fourteenth  North  Carolina  and  the  three  companies  of  the  Second 
North  Carolina  could  not  advance.  The  enemy  discovered  this 
situation  of  affairs  and  pushed  a  brigade  to  the  right  and  rear  of 
Colonel  Grimes  and  seven  companies  of  Colonel  Cox's  (Second 
North  Carolina),  with  the  intention  of  capturing  their  com- 
mands. This  advance  was  made  under  a  terrible  direct  fire  of 
musketry  and   artillery.     The   move   necessitated   a   retrograde 


23 


movement  on  the  part  of  Colonels  Grimes  and  Cox,  which  was 
executed  in  order,  but  with  the  loss  of  some  prisoners,  who  did  not 
hear  the  command  to  retire.  Colonel  Benuett  held  his  position 
until  ordered  to  fall  back,  and,  in  common  with  all  the  others, 
to  replenish  his  empty  cartridge-boxes.  The  enemy  did  not  halt 
at  this  position,  but  retired  to  his  battery,  from  which  he  was 
quickly  driven,  Colonel  Parker  of  the  Thirtieth  North  Carolina 
sweeping  over  it  with  the  troops  on  my  right. 

"  After  replenishing  cartridge-boxes  I  received  an  order  from 
Major  General  Rodes  to  throw  my  brigade  on  the  left  of  the 
road  to  meet  an  apprehended  attack  of  the  enemy  in  that  quar- 
ter. This  was  done,  and  afterwards  I  was  moved  to  a  position 
on  the  plank-road  which  was  intrenched,  and  which  we  occupied 
until  the  division  was  ordered  back  to  camp  near  Hamilton's 
Crossing. 

"  The  charge  of  the  brigade,  made  at  a  critical  moment,  when 
the  enemy  had  broken  and  was  hotly  pressing  the  centre  of  the 
line  in  our  front  with  apparently  overwhelming  numbers,  not  only 
checked  his  advance  but  threw  him  back  in  disorder  and  pushed 
him  with  heavy  loss  from  his  last  line  of  works. 

"Too  high  praise  cannot  be  accredited  to  officers  and  men  for 
their  gallantry,  fortitude  and  manly  courage  during  this  brief 
but  arduous  campaign.  Exposed  as  they  had  been  for  five  days 
immediately  preceding  the  fights  on  the  picket  line,  they  were, 
of  course,  somewhat  wearied,  but  the  order  to  move  forward  and 
confront  the  enemy  brightened  every  eye  and  quickened  every 
step.  Under  fire  all  through  Wednesday,  Wednesday  night  and 
Thursday,  without  being  able  effectually  to  return  this  fire,  they 
bore  all  bravely,  and  led  the  march  towards  Chaucellorsville  on 
Friday  morning  in  splendid  order.  The  advance  of  the  brigade 
on  Friday  afternoon  was  made  under  the  very  eyes  of  our 
departed  hero  (Jackson)  and  of  Major  General  A.  P.  Hill,  whose 
words  of  praise  and  commendation,  bestowed  upon  the  field,  we 
fondly  cherish.  And  on  Sunday  the  magnificent  charge  of  the 
brigade  upon  the  enemy's  last  and  most  terrible  stronghold  was 
made  in   view  of  Major  General  Stuart  and  our  division  com- 


24 


mander,  Major  General  R.  E.  Rodes,  whose  testimony  that  it 
was  the  most  glorious  charge  of  that  most  glorious  clay,  we  are 
proud  to  remember  and  report  to  our  kindred  and  friends. 

"To  enumerate  all  the  officers  and  men  who  deserve  special 
mention  for  their  gallantry  would  he  to  return  a  list  of  all 
who  were  on  the  field.  All  met  the  enemy  with  unflinching 
courage;  and  for  privations,  hardships,  and  splendid  marches, 
all  of  which  were  cheerfully  borne,  they  richly  deserve  the  thanks 
of  our  beautiful  and  glorious  Confederacy. 

"I  cannot  close  without  mentioning  the  conspicuous  gallantry 
and  great  efficiency  of  my  regimental  commander.  Colonel  Par- 
ker of  the  Thirtieth  North  Carolina  was  detached  during  the 
fight  of  Sunday  to  support  a  battery,  and  having  accomplished 
that  object  moved  forward  on  his  own  responsibility  and  greatly 
contributed  to  wrest  the  enemy's  stronghold  at  Chancellorsville 
from  their  grasp  as  well  as  prevent  their  threatened  demonstra- 
tions upon  the  right  of  my  brigade;  the  gallant  Grimes  of  the 
Fourth  North  Carolina,  whose  conduct  on  other  fields  gave 
promise  of  what  was  fully  realized  on  this;  Colonel  Bennett  of 
the  Fourteenth  North  Carolina,  conspicuous  for  his  coolness 
uuder  the  hottest  fire,  and  last,  though  not  least,  the  mardy  and 
chivalrous  Cox  of  the  Second  North  Carolina,  the  accomplished 
gentleman,  splendid  soldier,  and  warm  friend,  who,  though 
wounded  five  times,  remained  with  his  regiment  until  exhausted. 
In  common  with  the  entire  command,  I  regret  his  temporary 
absence  from  the  field,  where  he  loved  to  be. 

"Major  Daniel  W.  Hurtt,  Second  North  Carolina  State 
Troops,  commanded  the  skirmishers  faithfully  and  well. 

"To  the  field  and  company  officers,  one  and  all,  my  thanks 
are  due  for  the  zeal  and  bravery  displayed  under  the  most  try- 
ing circumstances. 

"To  the  gentlemen  of  my  staff  I  owe  especial  thanks  for  ser- 
vices rendered  on  the  march  and  upon  the  field.  Captain  Seaton 
Gales,  Assistant  Adjutant  General,  and  Lieutenant  Caleb  Rich- 
raoud,  Aide-de-camp,  were  with  me  all  the  time,  promptly  car- 
rying orders  under  the  very   hottest  fire.     I  take  pleasure,  too, 


25 


in  speaking  of  the  bravery  of  private  James  Stinson,  courier, 
a  youth  of  twenty,  who  displayed  qualities  a  veteran  might  boast 
of,  and  of  the  conduct  of  private  J.  B.  Beggarly,  also  a  courier 
to  headquarters. 

"To  Dr.  G.   W.  Briggs,  Senior  Surgeon  of  the  brigade,  my 
thanks  are  due  for  his  zeal,  skill,  and  care  of  the  wounded. 
"I  am,  sir,  very  respectfully, 

"  Your  obedient  servant, 

"Stephen  D.  Ramseur, 
"  Brigadier  General  Commanding." 

In  the  report  of  this  battle  by  Major  General  Rodes  he 
makes  the  following  remarks  as  to  the  part  borne  by  Ramseur's 
Brigade : 

"  While  these  movements  were  taking  place  on  the  left,  Rarn- 
seur  and  Doles  pushed  forward  on  the  right,  passed  the  first  line 
of  intrench ments,  which  had  already  been  carried,  passed  the 
first  and  second  lines  of  our  troops,  and  became  fiercely  engaged. 
Doles  deflecting  to  the  right,  passed  up  a  ravine  behind  the  grave- 
yard on  Chancellor's  Hill,  and  finally  came  out  in  the  field  nearly 
opposite  the  house,  driving  the  enemy  before  him  as  he  advanced, 
actually  getting  several  hundred  yards  to  the  rear  as  well  of 
those  troops  opposing  the  rest  of  my  division  as  of  those  oppos- 
ing General  Anderson's  Division.  Subsequently  he  was  com- 
pelled to  fall  back  and  was  directed  by  General  Lee  to  take  a 
large  body  of  prisoners.  Ramseur,  after  vainly  urging  the 
troops  in  the  first  line  of  intrenchment  to  move  forward,  obtained 
permission  to  pass  them,  and,  dashing  over  the  works,  charged 
the  second  intreuchment  in  the  most  brilliant  style.  The  strug- 
gle at  this  point  was  long  and  obstinate,  but  the  charge  on  the 
left  of  the  plank-road  at  this  time  caused  the  enemy  to  give  way 
on  his  left,  and  this,  combined  with  the  unflinching  determina- 
tion of  his  men,  carried  the  day  and  gave  him  possession  of  the 
works.  Not  being  supported,  he  was  exposed  still  to  a  galling 
fire  from  the  right,  with  great  danger  of  being  flanked.  Not- 
4 


26 


withstanding  repeated  efforts  made  by  him,  and  by  myself  in 
person,  none  of  the  troops  in  his  rear  would  move  up  until  the 
old  "Stonewall  Brigade"  arrived  on  the  ground  and  gallantly 
advanced  in  conjunction  with  the  Thirtieth  North  Carolina  Regi- 
ment, Colonel  F.  M.  Parker,  of  Ramseur's  Brigade,  which  had 
been  detached  to  support  a  battery,  and  was  now  on  its  return. 
Occupying  the  works  on  the  right  of  Ramseur,  and  thus  reliev- 
ing him  when  his  ammunition  was  nearly  exhausted,  the  Stone- 
wall Brigade  pushed  on  and  carried  Chancellorsville  heights, 
making  the  third  time  that  they  were  captured." 

In  this  battle  Ramseur,  though  severely  wounded,  declined 
to  leave  the  field,  and  is  especially  mentioned  by  Rodes  as  one 
who  was  "distinguished  for  great  gallantry  and  efficiency  in  this 
action." 

It  will  be  remembered  that  it  was  here  that  that  great  ideal 
soldier  of  the  Army  of  Northern  Virginia,  who  stood  second 
only  to  Lee,  Stonewall  Jackson,  fell  mortally  wounded,  and  was 
carried  from  the  field.  His  command  then  devolved  on  A.  P. 
Hill,  who  was  wounded,  and  then  upon  Geueral  J.  E.  B. 
Stuart,  whose  plume,  like  that  of  Harry  of  Navarre,  was 
always  seen  conspicuous  in  the  thickest  of  the  affray.  While 
each  of  these  Generals  mentioned  Ramseur  and  his  brigade  in 
the  most  flattering  terms,  I  will  not  stop  to  quote  from  their 
reports.  I  prefer  to  hasten  on  and  call  your  attention  to  what 
will  be  recognized  by  every  soldier  of  that  army  as  one  of  the 
highest  compliments  and  most  distinguished  tributes  that  could 
have  been  paid  to  Ramseur  and  his  command.  I  beg  you  to 
pause  and  reflect  upon  the  force  and  power  of  each  expression. 
It  emanates  from  one  not  given  to  compliments,  but  who,  in  all 
of  his  public  communications,  seemed  to  weigh  and  carefully  con- 
sider each  word  that  he  used.  I  am  confident  that  the  existence 
of  this  letter  was  not  known  either  to  Ramseur  or  to  any  of  his 
command  when  written,  and  came  to  my  notice  for  the  first  time 
only  very  recently. 


27 

GENERAL    LEE'S   TRIBUTE. 

It  reads  as  follows: 

"Headquarters  Army  of  Northern  Virginia, 

"June  4th,  1863. 
"His  Excellency  Zebulon  B.  Vance, 

"  Governor  of  North  Carolina,  Raleigh: 
"Governor: — I  have  the  honor  to  call  the  attention  of  your 
Excellency  to  the  reduced  condition  of  Brigadier  General  Ram- 
seur's  Brigade.  Its  ranks  have  been  much  thinned  by  the  casu- 
alties of  the  battles  in  which  it  has  been  engaged,  in  all  of  which 
it  has  rendered  conspicuous  service.  I  consider  its  brigade  and 
regimental  commanders  as  among  the  best  of  their  respective 
grades  in  the  army,  and  in  the  battle  of  Chancellorsville,  where 
the  brigade  was  much  distinguished  and  suffered  severely,  Gen- 
eral Ramseur  was  among  those  whose  conduct  was  especially 
commended  to  my  notice  by  Lieutenant  General  Jackson  in  a 
message  sent  to  me  after  he  was  wounded.  I  am  very  desirous 
that  the  efficiency  of  this  brigade  should  be  increased  by  filling 
its  ranks,  and  respectfully  ask  that,  if  it  be  in  your  power,  you 
will  send  on  recruits  for  its  various  regiments  as  soon  as  possible. 
If  this  cannot  be  done  I  would  recommend  that  two  additional 
regiments  be  sent  to  it  if  they  can  be  had.  I  am  satisfied  that 
the  men  could  be  used  in  no  better  way  to  render  valuable  ser- 
vice to  the  countryand  win  credit  for  themselves  and  their  State. 
"I  am,  with  great  respect, 

Your  obedient  servant, 

(Signed)         "R.  E.  Lee, 

"  General." 

Mark  the  language:  "I  consider  its  brigade  and  regimental 
commanders  the  best  of  their  respective  grades  in  the  array." 
What  army?  The  Army  of  Northern  Virginia!  The  best  on 
the  continent !  Who  sends  a  message  to  Lee  about  Ramseur 
that  is  worthy  to  be  repeated  to  the  Governor  of  the  State? 
Stonewall  Jackson,  from  his  bed  of  anguish.  No  higher  eulogy 
could  be  pronounced. 


28 


After  the  battle  of  Chaucellorsville,  Raniseur,  with  his  brigade, 
accompanied  the  array  of  Lee  in  its  invasion  of  Pennsylvania. 
In  connection  with  Rodes'  Division,  in  the  first  day's  fight  at 
Gettysburg  they  secured  the  elevated  ridge  known  as  Oak  Hill, 
which  was  the  key-note  of  the  eutire  field.  Swinton,  in  his 
"Army  of  the  Potomac,"  says:  "When  towards  three  o'clock  a 
general  advance  was  made  by  the  Confederates,  Rodes  speedily 
broke  through  the  Union  centre,  carrying  away  the  right  of  the 
First  Corps  and  the  left  of  the  Eleventh,  and,  entering  the  inter- 
val between  thera,  disrupted  the  whole  line."  The  Federal  troops 
fell  back  in  much  disorder,  and  were  pursued  by  our  troops 
through  the  town  of  Gettysburg.  This  was  our  opportunity  to 
have  seized  the  heights,  the  subsequent  assaults  on  which  proved 
so  disastrous  to  us  during  the  progress  of  this  battle.  Ramseur 
urged  that  the  pursuit  should  be  continued  until  Cemetery 
Heights  were  in  our  possession.  The  light  of  subsequent  eveuts 
shows  that  he  was  clearly  in  the  right.  Our  friends  in  Vir- 
ginia are  fond  of  boasting  of  the  advanced  position  of  their  troops 
at  Gettysburg.  It  is  a  thing  to  be  boasted  of.  Her  sons  were  gal- 
lant and  martial,  and  far  be  it  from  me  to  detract  one  tittle  from 
the  fame  to  which  they  are  entitled,  yet  it  is  but  au  act  of  jus- 
tice to  call  attention  to  the  fact  that  the  only  two  brigades  which 
entered  the  works  of  Cemetery  Heights  on  the  second  day  of 
the  battle  were  Hoke's  North  Carolina  and  Hays'  Louisiana 
brigades.  The  former  was  then  under  the  command  of  that 
gallant  soldier  and  accomplished  gentleman,  Colouel  Isaac  E. 
Avery,  who  lost  his  life  on  this  occasion  while  gallantly  leading 
his  brigade  on  the  heights  on  the  2d  of  July.     In  his  roport  of 

this  battle,  Early  says: 

*  *  *  *  ******* 

"As  soon  as  Johnson  became  warmly  engaged,  which  was  a 
little  before  dusk,  I  ordered  Hays  and  Avery  to  advance  and 
carry  the  works  on  the  heights  in  front.  These  troops  advanced 
in  galfent  style  to  the  attack,  passing  over  the  ridge  in  front  of 
them  under  a  heavy  artillery  fire,  and  there  crossing  a  hollow 
between  that  and  Cemetery  Hill,  and  moving  up  this  hill  in  the 


29 


face  of  at  least  two  lines  of  infantry  posted  behind  stone  and 
plank  fences,  and  passing  over  all  obstacles,  they  reached  the 
crest  of  the  hill  and  entered  the  enemy's  breastworks,  crossing 
it,  getting  possession  of  one  or  two  batteries." 

Brigadier  General  Iverson,  of  Georgia,  had  manifested  such 
a  want  of  capacity  in  the  field  at  Gettysburg  he  was  relieved  of 
his  command  and  assigned  to  provost  guard  duty.  Asa  further 
mark  of  Lee's  appreciation  of  Raniseur  this  brigade  was  assigned 
temporarily  to  his  command,  in  addition  to  the  one  he  already 
commanded. 

In  the  various  skirmishes  and  battles  of  this  campaign  Rani- 
seur displayed  his  usual  efficiency  and  gallantry.  After  return- 
ing from  Pennsylvania  our  troops  went  into  winter  quarters 
near  Orange  Court  House,  and  as  it  was  clear  that  after  the 
exhaustive  campaigns  of  the  year  we  would  enjoy  a  period  of 
comparative  quiet,  Ramseur  obtained  a  leave  of  absence  for  the 
purpose  of  entering  into  the  most  important  relations  of  one's 
life.  He  had  long  been  attached  to  and  was  then  engaged  to 
Miss  Ellen  E.  Richmond,  of  Milton,  but  the  consummation  of 
his  hopes  had  been  often  deferred  by  the  exigencies  of  the  pub- 
lic service.  He  was  now  made  supremely  happy  in  their  mar- 
riage, which' occurred  on  the  22d  of  October,  1863. 

The  successive  failures  of  the  Army  of  the  Potomac  in  its  en- 
gagements with  the  Army  of  Northern  Virginia  created  a  general 
apprehension  throughout  the  North  that  unless  something  more 
satisfactory  was  accomplished  the  successful  issue  of  the  war  was 
becoming  a  most  doubtful  problem.  This  prompted  the  nomi- 
nation of  General  Grant  to  the  grade  of  Lieutenant  General  and 
he  was  assigned  to  the  command  of  "all  the  armies  of  the  United 
States."  One  of  the  conditions  of  his  acceptance  was  that  he 
should  not  be  hampered  in  the  discharge  of  his  duties  by  the 
central  authorities  at  Washington — a  wise  and  judicious  precau- 
tion, which  else  had  resulted  in  his  supersedure  after  his  terrible 
losses  at  Coal  Harbor,  where,  according  to  Swintou,  he  had  thir- 
teen thousand  of  his  men  killed  and  wounded  within  the  space 
of  two  hours,  and  this  without  inflicting  but  little  loss  on  his 
adversary. 


30 


On  the  morning  of  May  5th,  1864,  over  one  hundred  thou- 
sand of  Grant's  troops  had  crossed  the  Rapidan,  and  thence  fol- 
lowed that  series  of  battles  on  the  overland  route  to  Richmond, 
wherein  the  killed,  wounded  and  disabled  on  the  part  of  Grant's 
army  were  as  great  as  the  whole  army  of  Lee  when  those 
engagements  commenced.  Duriug  this  march  Ramseur's  men 
were  frequently  engaged  in  successful  skirmishes  and  battles 
with  the  enemy,  but  the  great  battle  in  which  he  shone  con- 
spicuously was  on  the  12th  of  May,  at 

SPOTTSYLVANIA    COURT    HOUSE. 

On  the  afternoon  of  the  11th  there  was  severe  fighting  on  our 
right,  when  Ramseur's  men  mounted  over  our  works  and 
drove  the  enemy  from  our  front  in  a  hand-to-hand  engage- 
ment. It  was  expected  by  Lee  that  during  the  night  Grant 
would  withdraw  his  troops  for  the  purpose  of  continuing  his 
advance  on  Richmond.  In  order  to  be  in  readiness  to  confront 
him  when  he  should  make  this  change,  Lee  had  directed  that 
the  guns  in  front  of  Ed.  Johnson's  Division,  in  a  point  in  our 
lines  known  as  the  "salient,"  should  be  withdrawn  during  the 
night  to  facilitate  our  movements  in  the  morning.  This  fact 
became  known  to  Grant  through  a  deserter  from  our  lines. 
Haucock's  Corps  was  in  front  of  this  point,  and  he  was  directed 
to  approach  under  the  cover  of  night  and  a  dense  fog  and  assault 
the  line  at  early  dawn.  The  attack  resulted  most  successfully, 
for  our  works  were  captured,  together  with  a  large  number  of 
prisoners.  To  restore  in  part  this  line  became  Ramseur's  duty. 
In  his  report  of  the  action  he  speaks  substantially  as  follows: 
That  in  anticipation  of  an  attack  on  his  front  on  the  morning  of 
the  12th  he  had  his  brigade  under  arms  at  early  dawn.  Very 
soon  he  heard  a  terrible  assault  on  his  right.  He  therefore 
moved  Cox's  Regiment,  which  was  in  reserve,  to  a  position  per- 
pendicular to  his  line  of  battle.  At  this  time  the  enemy  was 
massing  his  troops  for  a  further  advance.  For  the  purpose  of 
driving  him  back  he  formed  his  brigade  in  a  line  parallel  to  the 
two  lines    held   by    the   enemy.     The   men   in    charging    were 


31 


directed  to  keep  their  allignment  and  not  pause  until  both  lines 
of  works  were  ours.  How  gallantly  and  successfully  these 
orders  were  executed  were  witnessed  by  Generals  Rodes  and 
Ewell.  The  two  lines  of  Federal  troops  were  driven  pell-mell 
out  and  over  both  lines  of  our  original  works  with  great  loss. 
The  enemy  held  the  breastworks  on  our  right,  enfilading  the 
line  with  destructive  fire,  at  the  same  time  heavily  assaulting  our 
right  front.  In  this  extremity,  Colonel  Bennett  of  the  Four- 
teenth offered  to  take  his  regiment  from  left  to  right,  under  a 
severe  fire,  and  drive  back  the  growiug  masses  of  the  enemy  on 
our  right.  This  hazardous  offer  was  accepted  as  a  forlorn  hope, 
and  was  most  successfully  executed.  To  Colonel  Bennett  and  his 
men,  says  General  Ramseur,  and  his  gallant  officers,  all  honor  is 
due.  I  distinctly  recall  the  circumstances  under  which  the 
charge  was  made,  and  for  cool  audacity  and  unflinching  courage 
I  never  saw  it  surpassed.  At  the  time  the  movement  was  com- 
menced Colonel  Parker's  Regiment  and  the  Federals  were  engaged 
in  a  hand-to-hand  encounter  in  and  over  the  works,  while  my 
regiment  was  pouring  a  most  destructive  fire  into  the  Federals  in 
our  front.  We  entered  these  works  at  4  o'clock  on  the  morning 
of  the  12th  and  remained  in  the  works  fighting  and  contending 
for  over  twenty  hours.  When  relieved,  hungry  and  exhausted, 
we  dropped  upon  the  wet  ground  and   slept  most   profoundly. 

A  correspondent  of  the  London  Morning  Herald,  who  had 
familiar  access  to  Lee's  headquarters,  in  a  description  of  the  bat- 
tle of  the  Wilderness,  gives  this  vivid  account  of  the  action  of 
Ramseur' s  Brigade  on  the  morning  of  the  12th  : 

"The  Federalists  continued  to  hold  their  ground  in  the  sa- 
lient, and  along  the  line  of  works,  to  the  left  of  that  angle, 
within  a  short  distance  of  the  position  of  Monoghan's  (Hays') 
Louisianiaus.  Ramseur's  North  Carolinians  of  Rodes'  Division 
formed,  covering  Monoghan's  right;  and  being  ordered  to 
charge,  were  received  by  the  enemy  with  a  stubborn  resistance. 
The  desperate  character  of  the  struggle  along  that  brigade-front 
was  told  terribly  in  the  hoarseness  and  rapidity  of  its  musketry. 
So  close  was  the  fighting  there,  for  a  time,  that  the  fire  of  friend 


32 


and  foe  rose  up  rattling  in  one  common  roar.  Ramseur's  North 
Carolinians  dropped  in  the  ranks  thick  aud  fast,  but  still  he 
continued,  with  glorious  constancy,  to  gain  ground,  foot  by  foot. 
Pressing  under  a  fierce  fire,  resolutely  on,  on,  on,  the  struggle 
was  about  to  become  one  of  hand  to  hand,  when  the  Federalists 
shrank  from  the  bloody  trial.  Driven  back,  they  were  not  de- 
feated. The  earthworks  being  at  the  moment  in  their  immedi- 
ate rear,  they  bounded  on  the  opposite  side;  and  having  thus 
placed  them  in  their  front,  they  renewed  the  conflict.  A  rush 
of  an  instant  brought  Ramseur's  men  to  the  side  of  the  de- 
fenses; aud  though  they  crouched  close  to  the  slopes,  under  en- 
filade from  the  guns  of  the  salient,  their  musketry  rattled  in 
deep  and  deadly  fire  on  the  enemy  that  stood  in  overwhelming 
numbers  but  a  few  yards  from  their  front.  Those  brave  North 
Carolinians  had  thus,  in  one  of  the  hottest  conflicts  of  the  day, 
succeeded  in  driving  the  enemy  from  the  works  that  had  been 
occupied  during  the  previous  night  by  a  brigade  which,  until 
the  12th  of  May,  had  never  yet  yielded  to  a  foe — the  Stone- 
wall." 

In  an  address  before  the  Army  of  Northern  Virginia,  Colonel 
Venable,  of  Lee's  staff,  says  :  "The  restoration  of  the  battle  on 
the  12th,  thus  rendering  utterly  futile  the  success  achieved  by 
Hancock's  Corps  at  daybreak,  was  a  wonderful  feat  of  arms,  in 
which  all  the  troops  engaged  deserve  the  greatest  credit  for 
endurance,  constancy  and  unflinching  courage.  But  without 
unjust  discrimination,  we  may  say  that  Gordon,  Rodes  and 
Ramseur  were  the  heroes  of  this  bloody  day.  *  *  *  *  Rodes 
and  Ramseur  were  destined,  alas!  in  a  few  short  months,  to  lay 
down  their  noble  lives  in  the  Valley  of  Virginia.  There  was 
no  victor's  chaplet  more  highly  prized  by  the  Roman  soldier 
than  that  woven  of  the  grass  of  early  spring.  Then  let  the 
earliest  flowers  of  May  be  always  intertwined  in  the  garlands 
which  the  pious  hands  of  our  fair  women  shall  lay  on  the  tombs 
of  Rodes  and  Ramseur,  and  of  the  gallant  dead  of  the  battle  of 
twenty  hours  at  Spottsylvania." 


33 


General  Long,  in  his  "Life  of  Lee,"  puts  the  name  of  Rarnseur 
in  the  van  of  those  who  rushed  into  this  angle  of  death  and 
hurled  back  the  Federals'  most  savage  sallies.  During  the  long 
and  fierce  struggle  I  saw  soldiers  place  the  arms  of  their  com- 
rades who  had  just  fallen  in  such  a  position  as  when  they  had 
become  stiffened  they  would  hold  the  cartridges  we  were  using. 
Yes,  fighting  and  exhausted,  amidst  blood  and  mud  and  brains, 
they  would  sit  on  the  bodies  of  their  fallen  comrades  for  rest, 
and  dared  not  show  even  a  finger  above  the  breastworks,  for  so 
terrible  was  the  fire  at  this  angle  that  a  tree  eighteen  inches  in 
diameter  was  cut  asunder  by  minnie  balls.  After  the  battle  was 
over  Generals  Lee  and  Ewell  thanked  Ramseur  in  person,  and 
directed  him  to  carry  to  his  officers  and  men  their  high  appreci- 
ation of  their  conspicuous  services  and  heroic  daring.  At  this 
time  such  portions  of  the  First  and  Third  Regiments  as  were 
not  captured  in  the  salient  were  placed  in  the  brigade,  and  it  is 
sufficient  praise  to  bear  witness  that  from  that  time  on  to  the 
surrender  at  Appomattox  their  officers  and  men  always  showed 
themselves  worthy  of  the  highest  confidence  reposed  in  them. 
In  appreciation  of  the  conspicuous  services  rendered  by  Ram- 
seur on  this  occasion,  lie  was  made  a  Major  General  and  assigned 
to  the  command  of  Early's  Division,  and  I  had  the  distinguished 
honor  of  being  assigned  to  Ramseur's  (now  to  become  Cox's) 
historic  brigade. 

THE    VALLEY   OF    VIRGINIA, 

both  physically  and  strategically,  is  one  of  the  most  attractive 
regions  of  that  State.  It  is  not  less  distinguished  for  the  bril- 
liant achievements  of  Stonewall  Jackson  than  for  the  ardent 
patriotism  of  its  men  and  the  devotion  and  sacrifices  of  its 
women  to  the  cause  of  the  South.  It  was  here  that  Jackson, 
with  only  a  little  army  of  thirteen  thousand  men,  defeated  and 
drove  from  the  valley  Milroy,  Fremont,  Banks  and  Shields, 
whose  combined  forces  were  five  times  as  great  as  his  own, 
besides  capturing  vast  quantities  of  much  needed  commissary 
and  ordnance  stores  and  large  numbers  of  prisoners.  After 
5 


34 


the  battle  of  Coal  Harbor  the  Second  Corps,  composed  of  Ram- 
seur's, Rodes'  and  Gordon's  Divisions,  were  placed  under  the 
command  of  Early,  and  directed  to  proceed  to  this  valley, 
with  instructions  to  capture  or  destroy  the  army  of  Hunter, 
a  recreant  AMrgiuian,  who  was  marching  in  the  direction  of 
Lynchburg,  destroying  the  country  as  he  moved  along.  Attached 
to  this  corps  was  Nelson's  and  Braxton's  battalions  of  artillery, 
together  with  a  division  of  cavalry.  At  this  time  Breckinridge, 
who,  in  a  brilliant  engagement,  had  recently  defeated  Sigel, 
was  at  Lynchburg  awaiting  our  arrival.  Our  troops  were  trans- 
ported by  rail.  Ramseur's  and  the  greater  part  of  Gordon's 
Divisions  were  sent  forward  as  soon  as  they  were  ready.  They 
arrived  at  Lynchburg  at  about  4  o'clock  p.  m.,  on  the  17th 
of  June.  Here  they  united  with  Breckinridge  and  the  troops 
of  Major  General  Ransom,  who  was  in  command  of  the  whole 
cavalry  in  the  valley.  Hunter  was  in  camp  near  the  city  of 
Lynchburg.  In  a  letter  to  me,  General  Ransom  says  that  at 
this  time  "he  (Ramseur)  and  I  reconnoitered  the  left  flank  of 
Hunter's  army  and  found  it  could  be  most  advantageously 
assailed,  and  in  person  reported  the  fact  to  General  Early,  who 
said  he  would  not  attack  until  the  whole  of  Rodes'  Division  had 
arrived  from  Richmond.  The  opportunity  to  destroy  Hunter's 
army  was  then  lost."  Hunter  took  counsel  of  his  fears  and 
advantage  of  the  cover  of  night  and  darkness  to  make  a  hasty 
retreat.  Early  on  the  morning  of  the  19th  we  commenced  a 
pursuit,  and  just  before  night  overtook  the  enemy's  rear  at  Lib- 
erty, when  Ramseur's  Division  moved  on  it  and  drove  it  through 
the  place.  It  was  now  ascertained  that  Hunter  had  not  taken 
the  route  that  we  anticipated,  but  had  retreated  by  way  of  Beau- 
ford's  Gap,  where,  the  next  day,  he  was  found  occupying  a  com- 
manding position  on  the  crest  of  the  mountian.  After  our 
arrival  we  spent  the  afternoon  in  efforts  to  secure  a  position  from 
which  to  successfully  assail  him  the  following  day.  Hunter,  by 
our  failure  to  promptly  pursue  at  daylight,  made  his  escape,  and 
being  in  the  mountains  further  pursuit  was  useless.  Early,  in 
his  report,  says:  "By  mistake  of  the  messenger  who  was  sent 


35 


with  orders  to  General  Rodes  to  lead  the  next  morning,  there 
was  some  delay  in  his  movement  on  the  21st,  bnt  the  pursuit 
was  resumed  very  shortly  after  sunrise."  After  resting  a  day 
we  resumed  the  inarch  and  reached  Buchanan  that  night.  Our 
next  important  move  was  to  cross  the  Potomac  into  Maryland. 
We  reached  Frederick,  Md.,  about  the  9th  of  the  month,  when 
Ramseur,  after  a  slight  resistance,  moved  through  the  town  and 
brushed  away  the  Federals  before  him.  Our  invasion  had  so 
alarmed  the  Federal  capital  that  General  Wallace  was  directed  to 
move  at  once  with  such  forces  as  he  had  and  could  collect  and 
interpose  them  between  us  and  Washington.  When  Wallace 
reached  our  front  he  drew  his  troops  up  on  the  eastern  bank 
of  the 

MOXOCACY. 

Ramseur  deployed  in  his  front,  drove  his  skirmishers  across 
the  river  and  a  brief  and  brisk  artillery  duel  followed.  In  the 
meantime  McCausland,  with  his  cavalry,  crossed  the  river, 
attacked  the  Federal  left  flank  and  threw  it  into  confusion, 
which  Early  discovering,  threw  forward  Gordon's  Division, 
commanded  by  Breckinridge.  Gordon  moved  to  the  assistance 
of  McCausland,  while  Ramseur  crossed  over  the  railroad  bridge 
and  fell  upon  Wallace,  who  retreated  with  great  precipitation, 
leaving  in  our  hands  six  or  seven  hundred  prisoners  besides 
his  killed  and  wounded.  Our  loss  in  killed  and  wounded 
was  severe,  but  as  this  was  a  sharp  and  brilliant  engagement, 
well  planned  and  spiritedly  executed,  it  infused  new  life  into 
our  troops.  On  the  10th  we  moved  to  Rockville.  As  the  weather 
was  hot  and  the  roads  dusty,  our  troops  were  easily  fatigued  and 
made  but  slow  progress.  The  next  day  we  resumed  the  march, 
and  in  the  afternoon  readied  Seventh  street  pike,  which  leads  into 
Washington.  In  a  history  of  the  Army  of  the  Potomac,  Swiu- 
ton,  in  speaking  of  this  movement,  says:  "By  afternoon  the 
Confederate  infantry  had  come  up  and  showed  a  strong  line  in 
front  of  Fort  Stevens.  Early  had  there  an  opportunity  to  dash 
into  the  city,  the  works  being  very  slightly  defended.  The  hope  at 
headquarters  that  the  capital  could  be  saved  from  capture  was  very 


36 


slender."  The  truth  is,  the  Sixth  and  Ninth  Corps  of  Grant's 
array  were  then  en  route  to  save  the  capital,  and  for  us  to  have 
entered  it  at  this  time  might,  in  the  end,  have  proved  a  costly 
experiment.  Probably  more  expedition  might  have  been  exer- 
cised by  us  in  our  march.  After  reconnoitering  and  skirmishing 
a  couple  of  days,  we  turned  our  backs  on  the  capital,  beat  a  hasty 
retreat  to  the  Potomac,  followed  by  the  enemy's  cavalry. 

The  next  engagement  of  any  importance  in  which  Ramseur 
was  concerned  was  at  Winchester,  where  he  was  left  with  his 
command  and  a  battery  of  artillery  to  protect  the  place  from  a 
threatened  attack  from  Averill.  While  here  he  was  informed 
by  General  Vaughan,  in  command  of  the  cavalry,  that  Averill, 
with  a  small  force,  was  at  Stephenson's  Depot,  and  could  be  sur- 
prised and  easily  captured.  Placing  too  much  confidence  in  these 
representations,  Ramseur  advanced  against  him  without  the 
proper  precaution  of  throwing  forward  a  stroug  skirmish  line, 
and  he  encountered  Averill  with  a  large  force  of  infantry  and 
cavalry,  and  met  with  a  pretty  severe  repulse.  In  a  letter  to  me, 
General  W.  G.  Lewis,  who  was  wounded  in  this  engagement,  says 
that  Ramseur  was  not  altogether  responsible  for  the  mistake  that 
occurred,  for  he  had  every  reason  to  suppose  that  the  informa- 
tion furnished  by  Vaughan  was  correct.  This  matter,  while  not 
of  much  importance,  is  referred  to  simply  because  it  is  the  only 
instance  in  which  he  met  with  a  reverse.  The  blame  properly 
rests  upon  General  Vaughau,  who  should  have  been  more 
careful  in  his  statements. 

On  the  9th  of  September  information  reached  us  that  a  large 
force  had  been  concentrated  at  Harper's  Ferry,  which  consisted 
of  the  Sixth,  Nineteenth  and  Crook's  Corps,  and  was  under  a 
new  commander,  who  proved  to  be  Sheridan.  From  this  time 
on  constant  maneuvering  and  skirmishing  occurred  between  the 
two  armies,  in  which  Ramseur  was  more  or  less  prominently 
engaged.  Sheridau  proved  to  be  a  wary,  cautious  and  prudent 
commander.  In  all  of  these  movements  it  appeared  that  his 
purpose  was  rather  to  ascertain  the  strength  and  character  of  his 
adversary  than  to  engage  him  in  battle.     Early  was  disappointed 


37 


and  disgusted  by  his  wary  methods,  aud  says  in  his  "Last  Year 
of  the  War"  that  "the  events  of  the  last  month  had  satisfied 
me  that  the  commander  opposing  me  was  without  enterprise  and 
possessed  an  excessive  caution  which  amounted  to  timidity.  If 
it  was  his  policy  to  produce  the  impression  that  his  force  was  too 
weak  to  fight  me,  he  did  not  succeed;  but  if  it  was  to  convince 
me  that  he  was  not  an  able  and  energetic  commander,  his  strategy 
was  a  complete  success,  and  subsequent  events  have  not  changed 
my  opinion."  Sheridan  had  recently  been  transferred  from  the 
Army  of  the  West,  where  Lee's  methods  and  "Stonewall  Jack- 
son's way"  were  known  as  towers  of  strength.  For  the  first 
time  Sheridan  was  given  an  independent  command,  had  a  whole- 
some dread  of  our  veterans,  and  also  fully  realized  the  fact  that 
upon  the  result  6f  his  first  encounter  with  his  adversary  there 
was  involved  an  important  political  as  well  as  military  element. 

Grant's  campaign  from  the  Wilderness  to  Coal  Harbor  had 
been  disappointing  to  the  North,  where  there  was  a  feeling  that 
so  far  the  war  had  been  a  failure,  which,  in  commenting  on,  in  his 
"Army  of  the  Potomac,"  Swinton  says,  that  when  the  records 
of  the  War  Department  shall  be  carefully  examined  they  will 
develop  discoveries  of  the  most  startling  nature.  In  speak- 
ing of  public  sentiment  just  prior  to  the  battle  of  Winchester, 
Grant  says  in  his  "Memoirs": 

"I  had  reason  to  believe  that  the  administration  was  a  little 
afraid  to  have  a  decisive  battle  fought  at  that  time,  for  fear  it 
might  go  against  us  and  have  a  bad  effect  on  the  November 
elections.  The  convention  which  had  met  and  made  its  nomi- 
nation of  the  Democratic  candidate  for  the  presidency  had 
declared  the  war  a  failure. 

"Treason  was  talked  as  boldly  in  Chicago  as  ever  it  had  been 
at  Charleston. 

"It  was  a  question  of  whether  the  government  would  then 
have  had  the  power  to  make  arrests  and  punish  those  who  thus 
talked  treason. 

"  But  this  decisive  victory  was  the  most  effective  campaign 
argument  made  in  the  canvass." 


38 


In  addition  to  what  Grant  says,  there  was  another  motive 
which  made  Sheridan  timid  in  encountering  our  forces,  and  pos- 
sibly Grant's  presence  was  necessary  to  get  him  up  to  the  fight- 
ing point. 

In  his  "Memoirs,"  Sheridan  says: 

"  I  had  opposing  me  an  army  largely  composed  of  troops  that 
had  operated  in  this  region  hitherto  under  "Stonewall"  Jack- 
son with  marked  success,  inflicting  defeat  on  the  Union  forces 
almost  every  time  the  two  armies  had  come  in  contact. 

"  These  men  were  now  commanded  by  a  veteran  officer  of  the 
Confederacy,  General  Jubal  A.  Early,  whose  past  services  had 
so  signalized  his  ability  that  General  Lee  specially  selected  him 
to  take  charge  of  the  Valley  District,  and  notwithstanding  the 
misfortunes  that  befell  him  later,  clung  to  him  to  the  end  of  the 
war.  The  Confederate  army  at  this  date  was  about  twenty 
thousand  strong,  and  consisted  of  Early's  own  Corps,  with  Gen- 
erals Rodes,  Ramseur  and  Gordon  commanding  its  divisions; 
the  infautry  of  Breckinridge,  of  Southwestern  Virginia;  three 
battalions  of  artillery,  and  the  cavalry  brigades  of  Vaughan, 
Johnson,  McCausland  and  Imbodeu." 

Early  had  marched  and  countermarched  so  ofteu  in  the  pres- 
ence of  and  around  Sheridan's  army  without  bringing  him  to  a 
test  of  strength,  he  began  to  think  him  no  better  than  Hunter, 
and  entertained  more  contempt  for  than  fear  of  him.  He  separated 
his  divisions  at  will,  and  scattered  them  from  Winchester  to 
Martinsburg — twenty-two  miles — with  no  greater  motive  than 
that  of  interrupting  railroad  traffic,  producing  a  little  diversion 
in  Washington,  and  securing  a  few  commissaries  in  Martins- 
burg.    His  last  movement  in  this  direction  was  on  the  eve  of  the 

BATTLE   OF   WINCHESTER. 

Of  this  movement  he  says  that,  "having  been  informed  that 
a  force  was  at  work  on  the  railroad  near  Martinsburg,  I 
moved  on  the  afternoon  of  the  17th  of  September  with  Rodes' 
and  Gordon's  Divisions  and  Braxton's  artillery  to  Bunker 
Hill;  and  on  the  morning  of  the  18th,  with   Gordon's  Divis- 


39 


ion  and  a  part  of  the  artillery,  to  Martinsburg,  preceded  by 
a  part  of  Lomax's  cavalry."  It  will  thus  be  seen  that  in 
the  presence  of  a  largely  superior  force,  and  a  new  and  untried 
commander,  Early  had  his  troops  stretched  out  and  sepa- 
rated like  a  string  of  glass  beads  with  a  knot  between  each  one, 
In  a  previous  move  of  a  similar  nature  on  Martinsburg,  at 
Bunker  Hill,  I  had  been  reliably,  informed  that  the  next  time 
Early  should  make  the  mistake  of  separating  his  command 
Sheridan  intended  to  attack  and  endeavor  to  crush  his  troops  in 
detail.  This  fact  I  communicated  to  General  Rodes,  who  replied  : 
"I  know  it.  I  have  told  Early  as  much";  and  with  much 
irritation  of  manner,  said:  "I  can't  get  him  to  believe  it." 

On  the  morning  of  the  19th  the  booming  of  cannon  was 
heard  in  the  direction  of  Winchester.  As  skirmishing  at  this 
time  was  frequent,  we  could  not  positively  decide  as  to  what  it 
portended.  Rodes  was  now  at  Stephenson's  Depot,  Breckin- 
ridge and  Gordon  at  Bunker  Hill,  and  Ramseur  at  Winchester. 
Rodes  received  orders  to  "move  out,"  but  was  not  directed  where 
to  go.  We  moved  out,  took  position  behind  a  rock  wall  north 
of  the  road  intersecting  the  Winchester  road,  where  we  anx- 
iously awaited  further  orders  for  the  space  of  two  hours.  All 
this  time  Ramseur,  with  his  seventeen  hundred  men,  was  actively 
engaged  with  Sheridan's  advance  corps.  Had  we  have  been 
properly  directed,  we  could  have  moved  forward  and  crushed 
this  corps  before  the  remainder  of  Sheridan's  troops  arrived,  and 
secured  a  complete  victory.  In  speaking  of  the  time  when  the 
firing  commenced,  Early,  who  was  with  Gordon,  says:  "I  imme- 
diately ordered  all  the  troops  that  were  at  Stephenson's  Depot  to 
be  in  readiness  to  move,  directions  being  given  by  Gordon, 
who  had  arrived  from  Bunker  Hill,  to  move  at  once,  but  by 
some  mistake  on  the  part  of  my  staff  officer,  the  latter  order 
was  not  delivered  to  either  Generals  Breckinridge  or  Gordon." 

Ramseur  was  compelled  to  bear  the  whole  brunt  of  the  attack 
of  Sheridan's  army  until  we  came  to  his  support,  about  10  A.  m. 
While  Rodes  was  moving  in  column  up  the  Martinsburg  road, 
near  Winchester,  we  were  unexpectedly  called  to  attention,  faced 


40 


to  the  left,  and  moved  forward  to  engage  the  enemy,  who  had 
advanced  to  within  one  hundred  yards  of  the  road.  Grimes' 
Brigade  was  on  the  right,  mine  in  the  centre,  and  Cook's  on  the 
left,  for  Battle's  was  still  behind.  After  a  brief  and  vigorous 
assault  the  Fedrals  commenced  falling  back. 

Grimes  drove  him  through  the  woods  and  formed  on  the  left 
of  Ramseur,  while  I  was  driving  the  Federals  before  me  in  an 
opeu  field,  supported  by  Cook  on  my  left.  The  latter  brigade 
was  brought  to  a  temporary  halt.  Rodes  was  now  in  my  rear, 
and  dispatched  his  only  remaining  staff  officer  to  push  forward 
this  brigade.  At  this  moment  Lieutenant  J.  S.  Battle  of  my 
staff  came  up,  informed  me  that  Colonel  Bennett  of  the  Four- 
teenth Regiment  had  just  had  his  horse  shot  under  him,  and  he 
had  given  him  his.  It  was  now  that  General  Rodes  was  shot 
in  the  head  by  a  ball,  and  caught  by  Lieutenant  Battle  as  he  fell 
from  his  horse.  The  fall  of  Rodes  was  not  observed  by  the 
troops,  who  pushed  on,  and  struck  a  weak  line  between  the 
Sixth  and  Nineteenth  Corps.  At  this  point  the  Federals  were 
severely  punished,  and  fell  back,  leaving  their  killed  and  wounded. 
A  large  number  of  officers  and  men  were  secreted  in  a  ditch,  whom 
we  captured.  We  pursued  the  enemy,  with  a  hot  fire,  beyond  the 
crest  of  the  hill  on  which  Grimes  had  established  his  line.  Here 
Evans'  Brigade,  upon  meeting  a  heavy  fire,  fell  back,  which 
exposed  my  brigade  to  a  concentrated,  direct  and  left  oblique  fire. 
Seeing  that  I  could  not  maintain  this  advanced  position,  my  Aide, 
Major  Gales,  was  sent  to  General  Early  with  a  request  to  have 
a  battery  placed  on  a  hill  in  my  rear.  This  was  promptly  done, 
when  my  men  fell  back  and  were  formed  behind  the  battery, 
which  opening  with  telling  effect  upon  their  heavy  lines,  they  laid 
down,  and  the  victory  appeared  to  be  ours.  In  this  brief  engage- 
ment Colonel  Bauuett  had  two  horses  shot  from  under  him  and 
was  captured.  Colouel  Cobb  of  the  Second  lost  a  foot,  and 
Colonel  Thurston  of  the  Third  was  severely  wounded.  While 
ray  loss  in  officers  and  men  had  been  severe,  my  troops  were  in 
fine  spirits.  Here  we  lay  until  4  o'clock  in  the  afternoon,  when 
Major  G.  Peyton  of  the  division  staff  directed  me  to  fall  back,  for 


41 


the  infantry  had  retired  from  my  left,  and  Fitz  Lee's  cavalry 
was  hotly  engaged  with  that  of  the  Federals.  I  replied  that 
there  was  no  occasion  for  my  falling  back,  as  I  could  repulse 
auy  assault  the  Federals  might  attempt;  and  upon  their  endeav- 
oring to  advance,  I  opened  fire  upon  them  and  they  rapidly 
sought  shelter.  Discovering  (after  Major  Peyton  retired)  that 
the  Federals  were  in  my  rear,  I  fell  back  in  good  order  to  the 
Martinsburg  pike  and  formed  on  the  left  of  our  troops.  Here 
we  were  exposed,  without  any  protection,  to  a  heavy  artillery  fire, 
which  was  inflicting  unnecessary  punishment  upon  my  men.  I 
turned  to  General  Breckinridge,  who  was  near,  and  pointed  to  a 
line  of  hills  and  suggested  that  that  was  the  place  to  make  our 
stand,  to  which  lie  agreed.  Thereupon  I  faced  my  men  about 
and  commenced  retiring  deliberately  to  the  hills,  all  the  troops 
conforming  to  this  movement.  General  Early,  through  a  staff 
officer,  directed  me  to  return  ;  I  thereupon  faced  my  men  about 
and  moved  them  to  the  front.  Upon  reaching  the  turnpike 
a  second  officer  came  from  General  Early  and  directed  me  to  fall 
back.  Facing  my  men  about,  I  again  commenced  slowly 
retiring.  While  thus  marching  and  countermarching  in  a 
murderous  fire,  a  cannon-ball  struck  in  the  color-guard,  just  in 
the  rear  of  my  horse's  tail,  cut  one  man  asunder,  tore  off  the 
skull  of  another,  which  was  thrown  in  front,  and  spattered  blood 
and  brains  on  all  who  were  near.  My  veterans,  instead  of 
being  stampeded,  only  pressed  a  little  more  impulsively  upon 
my  horse's  tail. 

War  hath  its  horrors,  which  the  selfishness  and  ambition  of 
men  bring  upon  them,  and  they  must  endure  them  ;  but  the  suffer- 
ing and  distress  of  females  no  true  man  can  complacently  witness. 
Such  scenes  of  distress  and  heart-rending  agony  as  were  mani- 
fested by  the  true  women  of  Winchester  as  their  town  was  uncov- 
ered and  they  were  thus  exposed  to  the  foe,  while  they  cannot 
be  described,  brought  tears  to  the  eyes  of  stoutest  men. 

Our  troops  now  retreated  towards  Fisher's  Hill.     My  brigade 
secured   the    elevatiou    which    I    had    selected,  and  stood  as    a 
menace  to  pursuit  until  our  army  had  measurably  retired.    Then 
6 


42 


proceeding  to  the  turnpike,  I  was  retreating  in  column,  when  Dr. 
Hunter  McGuire,  who  was  with  Early,  approached  and  said  Gen- 
eral Early  was  feeling  badly ;  that  we  had  lost  but  one  caisson,  and 
he  wished  I  would  take  my  troops  and  protect  from  capture  the 
artillery  then  passing.  I  informed  him  that  I  was  so  far  from 
division  headquarters  (for  our  army  was  not  then  in  sight)  that  I 
did  not  desire  to  have  my  brigade  exposed  to  capture  unless  he 
would  bring  me  an  order  from  General  Early,  who  was  then  rid- 
ing slowly  along  the  pike.  He  returned  to  the  General  and  came 
back  and  said  the  General  said  he  wished  I  would  do  it.  I  then 
dispatched  Assistant  Adjutant  General  Gales  to  General  Battle, 
who,  after  the  fall  of  Rodes,  was  in  command  of  the  division, 
with  information  as  to  where  I  was  and  what  I  was  doing.  I 
then  turned  to  my  command,  which  had  been  joined  by  other 
troops  who  had  lost  their  commands,  and  directed  them  to  deploy 
and  advance  between  the  enemy's  cavalry  and  our  artillery,  which 
was  done  with  great  spirit  and  promptness  in  the  presence  of  the 
General,  but  without  a  word  of  indorsement  from  him.  In 
this  manner  we  moved  on,  protecting  the  artillery  until  near 
dusk,  when  we  found  Ramseur  with  his  division  thrown  across 
the  turnpike  to  prevent  pursuit.  About  the  time  the  artillery 
and  my  brigade  crossed  his  line  the  enemy  made  a  spirited 
charge  to  capture  the  guns.  Ramseur's  men  rose  and  met  it 
with  a  well-directed  fire,  which  stopped  further  pursuit.  I 
moved  on  and  soon  joined  our  troops.  So  that  Ramseur,  upon 
whom  the  enemy  had  opened  their  battle  in  the  morning,  gave 
them  the  last  repulse  at  night. 

Of  this  battle,  Early  writing, says:  "A  skillful  and  energetic 
commander  of  the  enemy's  forces  would  have  crushed  Ramseur 
before  any  assistance  could  have  reached  him,  and  thus  caused 
the  destruction  of  my  whole  force;  and  later  in  the  day,  when 
the  battle  had  turned  against  us,  with  the  immense  superiority 
of  cavalry  which  Sheridan  had  and  the  advantage  of  the  open 
country,  would  have  destroyed  my  whole  force  and  captured 
everything  I  had.  ******!  have  thought,  instead 
of  being  promoted,  Sheridan  ought  to  have  been  cashiered  for 


43 


this  battle."  Iu  his  "Memoirs,"  Grant  says:  "Sheridan  moved  at 
the  time  fixed  upon.  He  met  Early  at  the  crossing  of  the  Ope- 
qnan  Creek  and  won  a  most  decisive  victory — one  which  elec- 
trified the  country.  Early  had  invited  this  attack  himself  by 
his  bad  generalship,  and  made  the  victory  easy."  Considering 
the  great  disparity  of  numbers,  this  battle  of  "Winchester  was, 
after  all,  no  great  victory  on  the  part  of  Sheridan,  and  Grant 
intimates  as  much,  for  his  troops  outnumbered  those  of  Early 
more  than  three  to  one.  His  cavalry  was  in  fine  condition,  while 
ours  was  worn  down  by  excessive  duties  and  scant  forage.  It 
was  won  at  a  critical  moment  to  the  Federal  government,  and 
it  became  to  its  interest  to  magnify  it  in  every  way  practicable. 

After  our  defeat  at  Winchester  we  fell  back  and  formed  a  line 
of  battle  behind  Fisher's  Hill.  In  our  encounter  with  Sheri- 
dan's army,  notwithstanding  our  defeat,  his  loss  had  been  severe 
and  his  pursuit  was  languid.  It  was  the  20th  before  he  reached 
our  front,  and  several  days  were  passed  in  maneuvering  and 
skirmishing.  Ramseur's  Division  occupied  the  left  of  our  line 
of  battle  and  the  prolongation  of  our  line  was  defended  by  cav- 
alry. On  the  22d,  Sheridan  threw  forward  Crook's  Corps, 
pushed  back  our  cavalry  and  took  pessession  of  our  line.  Rarn- 
seur  hearing  the  firing  to  his  left,  withdrew  my  brigade  from  the 
line  and  ordered  me  to  move  in  the  direction  of  the  firing,  for  after 
the  fall  of  Rodes,  Ramseur,  to  our  great  gratification,  was  placed 
in  charge  of  his  division.  On  moving  to  the  left  I  had  a  brisk 
skirmish  with  a  part  of  Crook's  men,  but  did  not  encounter  the 
main  force.  From  the  firing  in  the  direction  of  our  line  it  was 
soon  apparent  that  our  army  was  falling  back.  I  now  met  Gen- 
eral Lomax  with  a  part  of  his  men,  and  he  kindly  conducted  me 
by  the  nearest  route  to  the  turnpike  over  which  we  were 
retreating. 

It  was  full  dusk  when  we  reached  the  road.  Colonel  Pen- 
dleton, an  admirable  officer  and  an  accomplished  gentleman- 
of  the  corps  staff,  met  me  and  requested  that  my  brigade  be 
thrown  across  the  road  to  cover  the  retreat.  The  brigade  was 
promptly  formed,  advanced  rapidly  to  a  fence,  where  it  met  the 


44 


enemy  in  a  hand-to-hand  encounter,  repulsed  them  and  stopped 
the  pursuit  for  the  night.  It  was  while  near  me  that  Colonel 
Pendleton,  whom  I  had  intimately  known  when  on  Jackson's 
staff,  fell  mortally  wounded. 

Napoleon  said:  "The  moral  force  in  war  is  worth  twice  its 
physical  effect."  Unfortunately,  from  this  time  on,  that  moral 
force  which  leads  to  success  in  battle  was,  in  this  army,  under 
its  present  leadership,  sadly  lacking. 

A  word  now  as  to  the 

PRIVATE   SOLDIER 

of  the  Confederate  army.  The  emergencies  of  the  South  called 
forth  all  of  her  sons  to  the  front  ("  from  the  cradle  to  the  grave," 
as  Grant  expressed  it),  and  in  its  ranks  might  be  found  men  of 
every  position  in  society.  From  education,  association  and  pursuits 
he  was  superior  to  the  ordinary  soldier.  He  fought  not  for  pay,  for 
glory  or  promotion,  and  received  but  little  of  either.  He  coveted 
danger,  not  from  recklessness,  but  for  the  loved  ones  at  home, 
whose  approbation  and  safety  were  dearer  to  him  than  life  itself. 
His  honors  and  rewards  were  the  approval  of  a  good  conscience. 
His  humor  was  droll;  his  wit  original ;  his  spirits  unflagging; 
his  shoeless  feet,  tattered  clothes  and  "  hard-tack  "  were  oftener 
matters  for  jest  than  complaint.  When  his  officer  was  consider- 
ate and  capable  he  was  his  idol.  He  was  intelligent,  understood 
the  issues  at  stake  and  discussed  the  merits  and  conduct  of  every 
battle.  Whether  on  the  picket  Hue  or  the  forefront  of  battle, 
behind  every  trusted  musket  there  was  a  thinker,  and  there  was 
an  accommodation  and  comradeship  between  the  mere  boy  and 
the  oldest  veteran.  It  was  such  devotion  and  unsurpassed  hero- 
ism as  was  displayed  by  the  privates  of  each  army,  equally 
brave  and  of  one  nationality,  that  makes  our  country  great  and 
demonstrates  to  the  world  the  excellence  and  superiority  of  the 
Anglo-Saxon  race. 

"Can  comrades  cease  to  think  of  those  who  bore 
The  brnnt  of  conflict,  marching  side  by  side — 
Forget  how  youth  forgot  his  beardless  face, 
Made  beauteous  by  his  valorous  arm?" 


45 


No,  never !  while  a  widowed  heart  ceases  to  forget  or  a  sister 
shall  coldly  touch  the  brother's  "honored  blade."  All  honor 
then  to  the  noble  women  who,  in  his  old  age  and  poverty — that 
"ill-matched  pair" — seek  to  provide,  if  not  a  home,  at  least  a 
shelter  for  him.  May  Heaven's  choicest  blessing  rest  upon  them 
and  all  who  shall  aid  them  in  their  pious  and  patriotic  work. 

To  return  to  my  narrative.  After  the  affair  of  Fisher's  Hill 
we  fell  back  to  the  lower  passes  of  the  Blue  Rigde,  where  Sheri- 
dan followed  us  as  far  as  Staunton.  Then,  after  destroying  the 
Central  Railroad,  he  retreated  up  the  valley  and  took  position 
behind  his  intrench ments  at 

CEDAR   CREEK. 

Early  had  now  been  re-inforced  by  the  return  of  Kershaw's 
Division,  Cutshaw's  battalion  of  artillery  and  some  cavalry, 
which  about  made  up  his  losses  at  Winchester  and  Fisher's 
Hill.  About  the  time  Sheridan  fell  back  it  had  been  Early's 
purpose  to  attack  him,  which  he  doubtless  anticipated,  for  he 
heard  that  Longstreet  had  joined  Early,  and  it  was  their  pur- 
pose to  destroy  him.  Early  pursued  Sheridan  beyond  Middle- 
town,  where  he  found  him  too  strongly  intrenched  for  a  direct 
attack,  and  we  were  therefore  formed  behind  our  breastworks 
at  Fisher's  Hill.  From  our  signal  station,  which  overlooked 
their  camp,  it  was  discovered  that  the  Federal  left  flank  was 
lightly  picketed,  and  by  a  long  detour  and  careful  movement 
could  be  taken  in  reverse.  A  flanking  movement  was  directed 
by  Early  and  mainly  intrusted  to  Gordon,  who,  with  Ram- 
seur's  Division,  commenced  moving  early  after  dark.  The  night 
was  consumed  in  a  fatiguing  and  exhausting  march,  which  was 
conducted  with  the  greatest  secrecy.  AVe  reached  the  point  at 
which  we  were  to  cross  the  creek  and  make  the  attack  at  early 
dawn.  Here  we  were  joined  by  Payne's  cavalry,  who  at  full 
speed  dashed  upon  and  captured  Sheridan's  headquarters,  and, 
but  for  his  absence,  would  have  captured  him.  While  Crook's 
Corps  was  enjoying  its  undisturbed  quiet,  and  possibly  dream- 
ing of  to-morrow,  we  descended  like  a  wolf  on  the  fold  and 


46 


aroused  them  by  "Rebel  yells"  and  peals  of  musketry,  and  they 
hastily  fled  in  garments  more  suited  to  a  camp  than  a  ball-room. 
After  our  great  reverses  the  sensation  of  pursuit  was  delight- 
ful. As  Eamseur  hurried  from  point  to  point  to  hasten  forward 
his  troops  where  resistance  was  offered  his  presence  and  manner 
was  electrical.  Notified  of  our  attack  by  the  firing,  the  Federals 
in  other  parts  of  the  field  formed  and  offered  some  resistance,  but 
they  were  so  much  demoralized  that  my  little  brigade  drove  back 
a  division  ten  times  its  number  after  but  slight  resistance.  By 
8  o'clock  we  had  captured  nearly  all  their  artillery  and  from 
fifteen  hundred  to  two  thousand  prisoners,  and  the  Federals  were 
in  retreat.  Early  in  the  meantime,  with  two  divisions  which 
had  scarcely  been  engaged,  came  upon  the  field.  Gordon  informed 
me  that  he  then  advised  him  to  seize  all  his  wagon,  artillery  and 
ambulance  horses — indeed,  every  one  he  could  get — mount  his 
men  upon  them,  and  hotly  pursue  the  Federals  before  they  could 
recover  from  their  panic.  But  we  were  very  deliberate.  While 
this  was  occurring  Sheridan  was  at  Winchester,  on  his  return 
from  Washington.  He  gives  this  graphic  account  of  his  meet- 
ing with  his  fleeing  troops:  "At  Mill  Creek  my  escort  fell 
behind  and  we  were  going  ahead  at  a  regular  pace  when,  just 
as  we  made  the  crest  of  the  rise  beyond  the  stream,  there  burst 
upon  our  view  the  appalling  spectacle  of  a  panic-stricken  army — 
hundreds  of  slightly  wounded  men,  throngs  of  others  unhurt, 
but  utterly  demoralized,  and  baggage  wagons  by  the  score,  all 
pressing  to  the  rear  in  hopeless  confusion,  telling  only  too  plainly 
that  a  disaster  had  occurred  at  the  front.  On  accosting  some  of 
the  fugitives,  they  assured  me  that  the  army  was  broken  up,  in 
full  retreat,  and  that  all  was  lost;  all  this  with  a  manner  true 
to  that  peculiar  indifference  that  takes  possession  of  panic-stricken 
men."  In  the  meantime  General  Wright,  with  one  division  and 
some  cavalry,  had  the  only  organized  force  in  our  presence. 
The  return  of  Sheridan  and  the  lack  of  a  vigorous  pursuit  had 
the  effect  to  allay  the  panic  with  which  his  army  was  seized 
early  in  the  day.  Ascertaining  from  some  prisoners  that  were 
captured  that  Longstreet  was  not  with  Early,  Sheridan  reorgan- 


47 


ized  his  men  the  best  he  could  and  turned  upon  us,  I  should 
say  about  3  o'clock  in  the  afternoon.  Ramseur  kept  his  men 
well  in  hand,  and  from  behind  rock  walls  successfully  resisted 
the  advance  of  the  Federals.  Near  4  o'clock  Kershaw's  Division 
gave  way  on  my  left.  I  sent  my  headquarter  courier,  private 
Beggarly,  to  report  the  fact  to  General  Ramseur.  While  doing 
so  his  horse  was  shot  through  the  ear  and  the  horse  upon  which 
General  Ramseur  sat  (for  he  refused  to  take  shelter)  was  killed. 
At  the  request  of  General  Ramseur,  private  Beggarly  let  the 
General  have  his  horse.  So  careful  was  Ramseur  of  the  rights  of 
others,  even  in  the  midst  of  a  severe  engagement,  this  horse  was 
not  taken  before  getting  my  consent. 

During  this  whole  encouuter  no  man  could  have  behaved 
more  maguificeutly  and  heroicly  than  Ramseur  did  in  his  efforts 
to  resist  the  overwhelming  tide  which  was  now  setting  in  upon 
us.  From  the  position  which  he  occupied  the  retreat  of  Ker- 
shaw's Division  and  the  overlapping  flanking  column  of  the 
Federals  could  be  seen.  His  troops  became  alarmed  and  could 
not  be  held  in  position,  and  in  a  vain  effort  to  hold  them  this 
brave  and  accomplished  young  officer  fell 

MORTALLY   WOUNDED 

and  was  captured.  In  speaking  of  his  conduct  upon  this 
occasion,  General  Early  says:  "Major  General  Ramseur  has 
often  proved  his  courage  and  his  capacity  to  command,  but 
never  did  these  qualities  shine  more  conspicuous  than  on 
the  afternoon  of  the  19th  of  this  month,  when,  after  two 
divisions  on  his  left  had  given  way  and  his  own  was  doing 
the  same  thing,  he  rallied  a  small  baud  and  for  one  hour 
and  a  quarter  held  in  check  the  enemy,  until  he  was  shot 
down  himself.  In  endeavoring  to  stop  those  who  were  retiring 
from  the  field  I  had  occasion  to  point  them  to  the  gallant  stand 
made  by  Ramseur  with  his  small  party,  and  if  his  spirit  could 
have  animated  those  who  left  him  thus  battling  the  19th  of 
October  would  have  had  a  far  different  history.  He  met  the 
death  of  a  hero,  and  with  his  fall  the  last  hope  of  saving  the  day 


4S 


was  lost!  General  Ramseur  was  a  soldier  of  whom  his  State 
has  reason  to  be  proud — he  was  brave,  chivalrous  and  capable." 
General  Grimes  says,  in  his  report  of  this  battle:  "Up  to  the 
hour  of  4  P.  M.  the  troops  of  this  division,  both  officers  and 
men,  with  a  few  exceptions,  behaved  most  admirably,  and  were 
kept  well  in  hand.  But  little  plundering  and  only  a  few  shirk- 
ing their  duty.  After  that  hour  all  was  confusion  and  disorder. 
The  brigade  commanders  conducted  themselves,  each  and  all,  with 
great  coolness  and  judgment,  and  are  deserving  of  especial  men- 
tion for  using  all  possible  efforts  to  check  their  troops,  but  with- 
out success.  The  death  of  the  brave  and  heroic  soldier,  General 
Ramseur,  is  not  only  a  loss  to  this  division  but  to  his  State  and 
country  at  large.  No  truer  and  nobler  spirit  has  been  sacrificed 
in  this  unjust  and  unholy  war."  Colonel  Winston,  commanding 
the  Forty-third  and  Forty-fifth  North  Carolina  Regiments,  says 
that  "only  one  man  of  those  regiments  in  passing  through  the 
rich  spoils  of  the  enemy's  camp  fell  out  of  ranks,  and  he  did  it 
to  get  a  hat,  and  was  court-martialed."  And  so  far  as  I  observed, 
the  charge  of  General  Early,  that  the  loss  of  the  fruits  of  our 
victory  iu  the  morning  was  ascribable  to  the  plundering  of  the 
soldiers,  is  a  great  injustice.  Certainly  it  is  so  as  applicable  to 
that  large  body  of  North  Carolinians  who  were  then  in  his  corps, 
and  who  upon  this,  as  upon  prior  and  subsequent  ocvasious, 
proved  themselves  to  be  among  the  best  soldiers  in  the  Army  of 
Northern  Virginia. 

What  General  Lee  said  in  his  letter  to  General  Early,  dated 
September  22d,  1864,  in  regard  to  his  strategy  as  a  separate 
commander,  was  clear  to  all,  and  in  the  main  led  to  his  want  of 
success.  Lee  said:  *  *  "Ah  far  as  I  can  judge  from  this  dis- 
tance, you  have  operated  more  with  your  divisions  than  with 
your  constituted  strength.  Circumstances  may  have  rendered 
it  necessary,  but  such  a  course  is  to  be  avoided  if  possible." 
When  General  Forrest  was  asked  the  cause  of  his  uniform  suc- 
cess he  replied:  "  I  get  there  first  with  the  most  men."  If  not 
classic,  this  is  at  least  epigrammatic. 

We  cheerfully  accept  the  well  merited  tribute  General  Early 
pays  the  chivalrous  and  knightly  Ramseur,  but  it  is  insisted  he 


49 


is  entitled  to  one  still  higher.  Instead  of  fighting  with  a  few 
hundred  men,  as  Early  elsewhere  says,  we  see  him,  in  the  lan- 
guage of  General  Grimes,  "holding  his  division  well  in  hand," 
officers  and  men  doing  their  duty  faithfully,  while  the  disorder 
and  confusion  in  other  parts  of  the  field  hastens  the  disaster 
which  with  troops  skillfully  handled  should  not  have  occurred. 

It  will  be  asked  if  the  criticisms  of  Early's  valley  campaign 
are  just,  why  did  not  General  Lee  remove  him?  There  are 
several  good  reasons  why  General  Lee  should  have  been  slow  to 
pursue  such  a  course.  Early  was  a  man  of  superior  intelligence, 
he  was  earnest  in  the  cause,  and  as  a  brigadier  and  division  com- 
mander a  hard  fighter  and  successful  officer.  There  is,  however, 
a  marked  difference  between  a  chief  and  subordinate  commander, 
and  Lee  had  never  known  him  otherwise  than  as  a  subordinate. 
It  is  true  that  Lee  was  finally  compelled  to  remove  him,  and  we 
may  presume  it  was  his  reluctance  to  wound  that  caused  him  to 
unwillingly  take  the  step  which  soon  became  necessary.  This 
forbearance  was  in  keeping  with  Lee's  general  character,  as  known 
to  those  who  served  under  him.  It  is  so  well  expressed  by  Col- 
onel W.  H.  Taylor  of  his  staff,  in  his  book  entitled  "Four 
Years  with  General  Lee,"  we  can  but  quote  from  him.    He  says : 

"If  it  shall  be  the  verdict  of  posterity  that  General  Lee  in 
any  respect  fell  short  of  perfection  as  a  military  leader  it  may 
perhaps  be  claimed:  First,  that  he  was  too  careful  of  the  per- 
sonal feelings  of  his  subordinate  commanders,  too  fearful  of 
wouuding  their  pride,  aud  too  solicitous  of  their  reputation. 
Probably  it  was  this  that  caused  him  sometimes  to  continue  in 
command  those  of  whose  personal  fitness  for  their  position  he 
was  not  convinced,  and  often  avowedly  or  tacitly  assumed  respon- 
sibility for  mishaps  clearly  attributable  to  the  inefficiency,  neglect 
or  carelessness  of  others." 

Through  the  courtesy  of  the  family  of  General  Ramseur,  I 
am  placed  in  the  possession  of  a  personal  letter  from  R.  R.  Hutch- 
inson, of  Virginia,  an  able  and  accomplished  officer,  who  before 
the  battle  of  Cedar  Creek  had  long  served  as  Major  and  Acting 
Adjutant  General  to  the  division.  Major  Hutchinson  was  with 
7 


50 


General  Ramseur  when  he  received  his  fatal  wound,  was  cap- 
tured while  endeavoring  to  remove  him  from  the  field,  and  by 
his  bedside  during  his  last  moments. 

His  account  of  the  sad  occurrence  on  that  occasion  is  so  vivid 
and  touching  no  apology  is  deemed  due  for  introducing  his  let- 
ter, with  a  single  omission,  in  this  monograph  : 

"Near  Strasburg,  Va.,  October  20,  1864. 

"  Mrs.  S.  D.  Ramseur  Milion,  N.  C. : 

"Dear  Madam: — I  do  not  know  how  to  write  to  you;  how 
to  express  my  deep  sympathy  in  your  grievous  affliction;  but 
the  Christian  soldier  who  has  gone  before  us  to  that  other  world 
has  asked  me  to  do  it,  and  I  must  not  shrink  from  the  performance 
of  this  duty,  however  painful.  I  am  writing  by  the  side  of  him 
whose  last  thought  was  of  you  and  his  God,  his  country  and  his 
duty.  He  died  this  day  at  twenty-seven  minutes  past  10  o'clock 
A.  m.,  and  had  at  least  the  consolation  of  having  by  his  side 
some  who  wore  the  same  uniform  and  served  in  the  same  holy 
cause  as  himself.  His  last  moments  were  peaceful,  his  wounds 
were  painful,  but  his  hope  in  Christ  led  him  to  endure  all 
patiently.  He  received  his  mortal  wound  yesterday  afternoon 
(October  19th)  between  the  hours  of  5  and  6  p.  m.  at  the 
post  of  honor  and  of  danger,  where  he  always  was.  Our 
troops  had  fallen  back  a  short  distance  but  had  reformed, 
and  were  stubbornly  contesting  a  position  on  a  hill  which  the 
enemy  attacked  from  three  sides.  He  exposed  himself  to  every 
shot,  cheering  and  encouraging  all.  I  was  not  far  from  him 
when  I  saw  his  horse  shot;  he  procured  another,  which  was 
shot  also,  and  immediately  after  he  received  his  fatal  wound  (the 
second),  all  in  the  space  of  a  very  few  minutes.  I  ran  over  to 
him,  got  some  men,  and  bore  him  to  the  rear,  your  brother  join- 
ing us  on  the  way.  I  then  went  off  after  an  ambulance,  found 
it,  but  saw  on  returning  with  it  that  he  had  been  left,  as  I 
thought,  in  the  enemy's  lines.  This  fear  was  soon  after  dissi- 
pated, however,  by  seeing  him  on  Captain  Randolph's  horse,  the 
Captain  running  along  side  and  supporting  him.     We  got  him 


51 


then  to  the  ambulance  I  had  brought  up.  I  thought  he  was 
safe  then,  not  knowing  how  dangerous  was  his  wound,  and 
remained  with  the  rear  guard.  When  I  was  subsequently  cap- 
tured by  the  enemy's  cavalry,  I  was  carried  to  General  Sheri- 
dan's headquarters,  aud  learning  that  General  Ramseur  had  been 
captured,  asked  and  obtained  permission  to  remain  with  him. 
The  road  had  been  blocked  up  by  wagons,  causing  a  delay,  that 
gave  the  enemy  time  to  get  up  and  take  him  prisoner,  just  south 
of  Strasburg.  Many  of  his  former  friends  (West  Pointers) 
called  to  see  him  yesterday  and  to-day,  and  offered  every  assist- 
ance in  their  power,  General  Sheridan  among  the  number.  He 
was  taken  to  General  Sheridan's  headquarters  and  made  as  com- 
fortable as  circumstances  would  permit.  Dr.  James  Gillespie 
(Cutshaw's  Battalion  of  Artillery),  a  Confederate  surgeon,  assisted 
by  the  enemy's  surgeons,  attended  to  him  and  did  all  that  could 
be  done  under  the  circumstances.  He  suffered  a  good  deal  from 
his  wound,  the  ball  having  entered  his  right  side,  penetrating  the 
right  and  left  lung,  and  lodging  near  the  left  side.  But  the  end 
was  peaceful  and  quiet.  He  spoke  continually  of  you,  and  sent 
very  many  messages  to  his  family,  but  above  all,  to  his  wife.  He 
told  the  ambulance  driver  to  tell  General  Hoke  that  he  "died  a 
Christian  and  had  done  his  duty."  He  told  me  to  "give  his 
love  and  send  some  of  his  hair  to  his  darling  wife";  and  often 
wished  he  could  "see  his  wife  and  little  child  before  he  died." 
He  told  me  to  tell  you  he  had  a  "firm  hope  in  Christ,  and  hoped 
to  meet  you  hereafter."  He  died  as  became  a  Confederate  soldier 
and  a  firm  believer. 

"I  inclose  the  lock  of  hair  he  desired  sent  you. 

"Respectfully,  R.  R.Hutchinson, 

"Major  and  A.  A.  G.  P.  A.  C.  8." 

IN    CONCLUSION. 

Ramseur  in  personal  appearance  was  slight,  erect,  alert,  earnest 
in  speech,  with  dark  prominent  eyes  and  well  developed  fore- 
head.    He  was  an  ideal  soldier. 

General  Robert  Ransom,  in  writing  of  his  bearing  in  action, 
while  they  were  together  in  the  valley,  says:  "Ramseur  com- 


52 


rnauded  infantry  and  I  the  whole  of  Early's  cavalry  dur- 
ing the  time  I  was  with  Early.  AVhenever  I  had  opportu- 
nity to  see  Bamseur  his  conduct  was  marked  by  great  energy, 
brilliant  dash  (often  amounting  to  impetuosity)  and  an  enthu- 
siasm which  inspired  those  he  led." 

Among  the  soldiers  of  Napoleon,  Marshal  Xey  was  known  as 
"the  bravest  of  the  brave."  When  asked  whether  he  ever  felt 
fear  in  battle,  he  replied  that  he  never  had  time.  His  reply 
might  aptly  be  that  of  Ramseur.  When  in  action  his  enthusi- 
asm arose  with  the  magnitude  of  the  dangers  that  environed 
him.  But  this  enthusiasm  was  controlled  by  a  well-directed 
judgment  as  to  the  best  disposition  to  make  of  his  troops,  and  as 
to  the  weak  points  of  his  adversary.  He  fully  realized  that  war 
meant  danger,  even  death;  that  the  eyes  of  his  troops  were  upon 
him,  and  their  greatest  safety  lay  in  marching  fearlessly  and 
promptly  to  the  front  of  danger,  and  he  never  hesitated  to  lead 
them. 

On  the  day  preceding  the  battle  of  Cedar  Creek,  General  Ram- 
seur received  intelligence  of  the  birth  of  the  little  child  men- 
tioned in  the  letter  of  Major  Hutchinson.  The  birth  of  one's 
first  born  arouses  a  thousand  thrilling  emotions  in  the  heart  of 
every  manly  bosom  which  can  be  felt  but  not  described. 

General  Ramseur  was  a  superb  horseman,  and  on  the  day  of  the 
battle  he  appeared  upon  the  field  well  mounted  and  dressed  with 
an  unusual  care  in  his  handsome  General's  uniform.  He  wore 
upon  the  lapel  of  his  coat  a  boutonnierc,  the  gift  doubtless  of 
some  fair  and  patriotic  woman  in  that  section,  bestowed  in  recog- 
nition of  the  joyous  event  which  he  had  made  known  to  her. 
I  have  already  described  the  enthusiasm  with  which  his  presence 
on  this  occasion  inspired,  as  he  hastened  from  one  part  of  the 
battle  field  to  another,  and  an  electric  glow  even  thrilled  through 
my  impassive  breast  as  we  drove  our  gallant  adversaries  before 
us,  they  making  just  enough  resistance  to  heighten  the  effect 
danger  inspires.  How  different  is  the  situation  of  man  and 
woman  under  such  circumstances.  To  man  the  preseuce  of  dan- 
ger is  all-absorbing.     Woman,  on  the  approach  of  an  impending 


53 


battle  is  filled  with  the  most  anxious  forebodings  of  danger,  which 
are  to  be  followed  after  the  battle  has  been  fought  with  still 
more  wearying  and  anxious  thoughts  and  sleepless  nights — 
for  her  there  is  no  rest  until  the  list  of  killed  and  wounded  is 
received  and  doubt  is  resolved  into  certainty. 

No  doubt  amidst  that  day's  vicissitudes  Ramseur's  mind  was 
continually  dwelling  upon  his  wife  and  child,  and  pleasant 
thoughts  of  an  early  meeting  and  of  additional  honors  that  might 
be  his,  for  in  the  course  of  this  address  it  may  have  been  observed 
he  scarcely  ever  participated  in  an  important  battle  that  he  did 
not  win  a  promotiou.  It  is  wisely  provided  that  no  man  can  see 
what  a  day  may  bring  forth,  or  certify  how  long  he  has  to  live. 
In  Ramseur's  case  it  is  pleasant  to  feel  that  as  a  hero  and  a 
Christian  he  was  prepared  to  meet  his  last  enemy  when  he  came. 
When  being  borne  from  the  field  his  memory  revisits  the  old 
homestead,  and  he  thinks  of  one  between  whom  and  himself  the 
warmest  ties^  had  always  existed.  There  was  but  a  month's 
difference  in  their  ages.  "Tell  General  Hoke,"  he  says,  "  I  did 
my  duty  and  died  a  Christian." 

"He  died,  but  his  end  was  fitting, 
Foremost  in  the  ranks  he  led, 
And  lie  marked  the  heights  of  his  nation's  gain, 
As  he  lay  in  the  harness — dead." 

The  Rev.  E.  Harding,  his  connexion  and  chaplain,  in  his 
sketch  of  General  Ramseur,  to  which  I  am  indebted  in  prepar- 
ing this  memoir,  in  writing  of  his  Christian  character,  says: 
"Ramseur  read  his  Bible  a  great  deal,  and  when  opportunity 
offered  held  family  prayers;  that  he  was  "fond  of  conversing 
on  religious  subjects,  and  punctual  in  attending  divine  service"; 
that  he  "was  a  high-toned  and  chivalrous  gentleman,  a  gallant 
soldier,  an  humble  Christian." 

His  last  thoughts  on  earth  were  of  home  and  Heaven,  the 
sweetest  words  in  any  language.  He  said,  bear  this  message  to 
my  precious  wife:  "I  die  a  Christian  and  hope  to  meet  her  in 
Heaven."  No  balm  to  the  bruised  heart  could  be  more  precious, 
no  assurance  more  gratifying. 


54 


Irrespective  of  section,  irrespective  of  service,  the  blue  and 
the  gray — Sheridan,  Custer,  Federal  and  Confederate  sur- 
geons— gather  around  his  couch  to  minister  to  his  wants  and 
smooth  his  dying  pillow.  His  soul  takes  its  flight,  and  the  day 
men  called  his  last  was  his  first  in  the  Paradise  of  God.  His  body 
was  carefully  embalmed  by  the  Federals,  borne  through  their 
lines  and  delivered  to  his  early  and  cherished  friend,  General 
Hoke.  And  thus  was  illustrated  the  saying  that  the  world 
would  remain  at  peace  if  those  who  made  the  quarrels  were 
the  only  men  that  fought,  for  between  the  soldiers  of  the 
two  armies  there  was  no  persoual  animosity — of  one  race,  of 
one  nationality,  equally  brave  and  equally  sincere,  they  did  not 
bring  on  the  war,  and  not  with  their  consent  has  its  animosities 
been  continued.  Ramseur's  remains  were  carried  to  his  native 
village,  and  there  a  large  concourse  of  his  neighbors  and  friends 
assembled  to  express  their  sorrow  and  do  honor  to  his  memory. 
They  accompanied  his  remains  to  their  last  resting-place,  which 
is  in  the  Episcopal  church-yard,  and  deposited  them  beside 
those  of  his  father  and  mother.  Over  them  a  loving  and 
devoted  kinsman  has  had  erected  a  handsome  monument,  on  one 
side  of  which  is  engraved  the  Confederate  flag  and  the  principal 
battles  in  which  he  fought,  and  on  the  other  the  date  of  his  birth 
and  of  his  death,  with  this  appropriate  inscription  :  "A  Christian 
Soldier." 


The  Life  and  Character 


OF 


WILLIAM  L  SAUNDERS,  LL,  D., 


.  —  i  *<  ^i  0 


AN  OllATION  DELIVERED  BEFORE  THE 


i 

| 
s 

I 

i    Alumni  Association  of  the  University  of  1 

|  North  Carolina, 

v 

3 


TUESDAY,  MAY  31st,  1892. 


±>1 


Hon,  Alfred  Moore  Waddell. 


WILMINGTON,  N.  C, 

JACKSON   &   BELT,,    STEAM   POWER   PRESSES. 


1892, 


I 


The  Life  and  Character 


-OF- 


WILLIAM  L  SAUNDERS,  LL.  D., 


An  Oration  Delivered  before  the 


Alumni  Association  of  the  University  of 
North  Carolina, 

TUESDAY,  MAY  31st,  1892. 


-BY- 


Hon.  Alfred  Moore  Waddell. 


WILMINGTON,  N.  C, 

JACKSON   &   BEI.lv,    STEAM   POWER   PRESSES. 
1892. 


Mr.  President,  and  Gentlemen  of  the  Alumni  Association: 

An  eloquent  man,  who  does  not  believe  in  the  existence  of 
God  or  the  immortality  of  the  soul,  standing  by  an  open  grave 
and  pronouncing  a  eulogy  upon  him  who  is  to  occupy  it,  pre- 
sents one  of  the  saddest  spectacles  this  world  affords.  Such  a 
service  finds  no  support  even  in  philosophy,  for  if  death  is  the 
end  and  its  victim  has  ceased  to  exist,  there  is  nothing  in  all  the 
wide  universe  to  which  the  eulogy  can  be  applied,  except  a  fast 
fading  picture  on  the  walls  of  memory;  and  it  becomes  a  mere 
empty  declamation  to  those  who  will  themselves  soon  pass  into 
nothingness — a  shadow-drama,  acted  before  a  shadow  audience* 
upon  which  in  a  little  while  will  fall  the  curtain  of  eternal  night. 

But  the  tribute  which  one  pays  to  a  departed  friend,  in  the  full 
faith  and  assurance  that  he  still  lives,  and  will  live  forever,  is  a 
reasonable  and  a  pious  service,  approved  of  Heaven,  and  honored 
among  men.  The  words  of  the  orator  in  the  one  case,  however 
beautiful,  are  but  the  cry  of  despair;  the  utterance  of  the  speaker 
in  the  other,  however  simple,  is  that  of  a  soul  conscious  of  its 
immortality,  and  rejoicing  in  a  deathless  hope.  Clouds  and 
darkness  encompass  the  one  service;  upon  the  other  rests  "the 
light  that  never  shone  on  land  or  sea." 

You  could  have  extended  to  me  no  invitation  which  would 
appeal  more  irresistibly  alike  to  my  sense  of  public  duty,  and  to 
my  loyalty  to  a  life  long  friendship  than  that  which  has  brought 
me  here  to-day. 

If  more  than  thirty  years  of  intimate  association  between  two 
men  will  justify  one  of  them  in  attempting  to  give  a  faithful  por- 
traiture of  the  other  after  he  has  passed  the  portals  of  the  grave, 
I  am  not  entirely  unqualified  for  the  duty  before  me;  but  I  fully 
realize  the  difficulty  of  so  performing  it  as  not  to  render  it  worth- 
less by  exaggerated  eulogy  on  the  one  hand,  or  inadequate  tribute 
on  the  other.     It  shall  be  my  aim,  as  it  is  my  hope,  to  do  justice. 


I  would  not  do  less,  and  he  of  whom  1  speak,  though  voiceless 
now,  would  not  have  me  do  more. 

And  I  begin  to  do  justice  by  declaring  it  to  be  my  deliberate 
conviction  that  our  State  has  never  produced  a  son  who  was 
more  intensely  North  Carolinian  in  every  fibre  of  his  being,  or 
one  who  rendered  more  continuous,  unselfish,  devoted,  and  valu- 
able service  to  her  than  did  William  Laurence  Saunders — ser- 
vice, too,  a  large  part  of  which  was  performed  by  him  during 
years  of  ceaseless  physical  pain  and  suffering.  Indeed  his  whole 
life  from  boyhood  to  the  day  of  his  death,  through  evil  and  good 
report,  in  adversity  or  prosperity,  was  devoted  to  the  work  of 
sustaining  aad  defending  her  honor,  and  the  welfare  of  her  peo- 
ple. If,  therefore,  any  North  Carolinian  ever  deserved  to  be 
remembered  with  gratitude  for  his  public  services  it  was  he;  and 
if  the  State  had  not  persistently  from  the  beginning  of  her  exis- 
tence refused  to  recognize  by  some  permanent  memorial  any 
obligation  for  such  services  by  any  of  her  sons  we  might  indulge 
the  hope  that  she  would  erect  a  monument  to  his  memory.  She 
stands  alone  among  civilized  governments  in  this  respect,  for  she 
has  never  erected  a  single  memorial  stone  to  show  the  world  that 
she  ever  produced  a  son  worthy  of  remembrance.  Nor  are  her 
people  peculiar  in  this  respect  alone.  Ever  jealous  of  any  en- 
croachment upon  their  liberties,  ever  ready  to  suffer  and  die  in 
defence  of  them,  the  history  of  their  State  is  rich  with  illustra- 
tions of  their  patriotism — and  yet  that  history  remains  to  be 
written.  Prolific  of  heroes  in  every  war  on  this  continent,  of 
statesmen  in  every  period  of  political  strife,  of  great  men  in  all 
professions  and  callings — the  world  has  never  known  it,  because 
the  people  of  the  State  have  never  seemed  to  recognize,  or  care 
for  it.  M  nkind  are  apt  to  forget,  and  all  too  soon,  the  good  and 
great  who  have  passed  away;  we  in  North  Carolina  do  not 
appear  to  know  that  there  are,  or  ever  were,  such  among  us. 
Readily  recognizing  them  elsewhere  we  never  think  of  finding 
them  at  home  and  in  our  midst.  More  true  is  it  here,  I  think, 
than   in  any  other  State  of  this  republic  that  a  prophet  is  not 


without  honor  save  in  his  own  country,  and  among  his  own  peo- 
ple. And  yet,  even  when  just  criticism  of  this  kind  was  indulged 
in  before  him,  William  L.  Saunders  never  failed  to  eulogize 
and  defend  the  people  of  North  Carolina.  He  had  absolute  con- 
fidence in  them  as  to  everything,  and  was  always  ready  to  vindi- 
cate them  against  any  sort  of  imputation  from  any  quarter.  Nor 
was  it  a  mere  blind  prejudice  on  his  part.  He  was  not  blind  to 
the  peculiarities  of  his  fellow- citizens  as  a  community,  but  he 
always  insisted  that  with  all  their  faults  and  peculiarities  they 
were  the  best  people  he  had  ever  known.  He  made  no  display 
of  this  sentiment,  and  never  sought  to  make  capital  of  it 
for  selfish  ends,  as  he  might  have  done  if  he  had  been  a 
demagogue,  but  he  sincerely  felt  and  always  acted  upon  it.  No 
man  ever  lived  who  was  more  thoroughly  imbued  with  faith  in 
the  people,  and,  therefore,  he  prized  government  by  the  people  as 
the  greatest  of  all  political  blessings.  Bred  to  the  law,  and  a 
student  of  Anglo-Saxon  institutions,  the  principle  of  local  self- 
government  was  precious  in  his  sight,  and  arbitrary  power  of  any 
kind  anywhere  he  instinctively  hated,  and  was  ever  ready  to 
combat.  So  intense  were  his  convictions  on  this  subject  that  I 
myself  used  sometimes  jocularly  to  accuse  him  of  being  opposed 
to  government  of  any  kind.  These  convictions  were  not  by  any 
means  wholly  the  result  of  temperament,  but  were  the  outcome, 
chiefly,  of  study,  reflection,  and  observation.  He  was  a  Demo- 
crat— in  its  largest  as  in  its  narrower  sense — from  principle,  and 
he  was  ready  to  vindicate  his  principles  at  all  times  and  at  every 
hazard.  In  this  respect,  as  in  every  other,  he  was  a  man  of 
character. 

It  is  not  my  purpose  to  give  the  details  of  his  public  career, 
but  to  present  a  picture  of  the  man  as  he  was,  in  his  relation  to 
the  public,  and  in  private  life.  I  will  not  go  farther  into  his 
record  as  a  soldier  in  the  war  between  the  States;  than  merely  to 
say  that  he  went  in  as  a  subaltern  and  came  out  with  the  glorious 
remnant  of  Lee's  army  the  Colonel  of  a  decimated  and  war- 
scarred  regiment,  bearing  upon  his  person  terrible  wounds,  and 


6 

enjoying  the  unqualified  respect  of  his  associates  for  duty  faith- 
fully and  gallantly  performed. 

In  1871,  towards  the  close  of  the  "Reconstruction"  period, 
during  which  he  did  as  much  to  rescue  the  State  from  the  ruin 
and  degradation  which  threatened  her  as  any  man  within  her 
borders,  he  was  arrested  by  the  United  States  authorities  and  car- 
ried to  Washington  to  be  examined  by  the  '  Ku  Klux"  commit- 
tee, with  the  hope  and  expectation,  on  the  part  of  those  who 
caused  his  arrest,  of  extorting  from  him  a  confession  of  his  own 
complicity  in  the  acts  of  the  "Ku  Klux,"  or  of  at  least  procuring 
evidence  against  others.  I  can  never  forget  his  presence  there, 
or  the  result  of  his  examination.  Although  myself  a  member  of 
the  Committee,  he  was  my  guest  and  shared  my  bed  during  his 
stay  in  Washington,  but  not  one  word  passed  between  us  on  the 
subject  of  his  arrest,  and  no  information  was  asked  or  given  in 
regard  to  the  organization  of  which  he  was  supposed  to  be  the 
Chief.  He  appeared  before  the  Committee,  and  was  asked  more 
than  a  hundred  questions,  every  one  of  which,  except-a  few  for- 
mal ones,  he  steadfastly  refused — or,  as  he  expressed  it,  declined 
to  answer. 

He  was  badgered,  and  bullied  and  threatened  with  imprison- 
ment (which  I  really  feared  would  be  imposed  upon  him,)  but 
with  perfect  self-possession  and  calm  politeness  he  continued  to 
say:  "I  decline  to  answer."  It  was  a  new  experience  for  the 
Committee,  because  the  terror  aroused  by  the  investigation  had 
enabled  them  to  get  much  information,  and  np  witness  had  up  to 
that  time  thus  defied  their  authority;  but  they  recognized  that 
they  had  now  encountered  a  man.,  who  knew  how  to  guard  his 
rights  and  protect  his  honor;  and,  after  some  delay,  he  was  dis- 
charged with  his  secrets  (if  he  had  any)  locked  in  his  own  bosom, 
and  carrying  with  him  the  respect  and  admiration  of  all  who  wit- 
nessed the  ordeal  through  which  he  had  passed. 

In  these  days  of  a  restored  Union,  and  a  return  to  normal 
conditions  such  conduct  may  not  appear  to  have  in  it  any  element 
of  heroism,  but  under  the  circumstances  which  then  surrounded 


the  Southern  people  it  required  both  moral  and  physical  cour- 
age of  the  highest  order.  Those  circumstances  constitute  the 
one  indelible  and  appalling  disgrace  of  the  American  people — the 
one  chapter  of  their  history  which  contains  no  redeeming  fea- 
ture to  relieve  it  from  the  endless  execration  of  the  civilized 
world. 

A  distinguished  orator  from  a  Northern  State  declared  in  Con- 
gress in  1872,  that  one-third  of  the  boundaries  of  this  Republic 
had  been  filled  "with  all  the  curses  and  calamities  ever  recorded 
in  the  annals  of  the  worst  governments  known  on  the  pages  of 
history,"  and,  attacking  the  authors  of  these  calamities,  he  ex- 
claimed :  "From  turret  to  foundation  you  tore  down  the  gov- 
ernments of  eleven  States.  You  left  not  one  stone  upon  another. 
You  rent  all  their  local  laws  and  machinery  into  fragments,  and 
trampled  upon  their  ruins.  Not  a  vestige  of  their  former  con- 
struction remained."  And  again  he  said  :  "A  more  sweeping 
and  universal  exclusion  from  all  the  benefits,  rights,  trusts, 
honors,  enjoyments,  liberties,  and  control  of  a  government  was 
never  enacted  against  a  whole  people,  without  respect  to  age  or 
sex.,  in  the  annals  of  the  human  race.  The  Jdisgraceful  disabili- 
ties imposed  upon  the  Jews  for  nearly  eighteen  hundred  years  by 
the  blind  and  bigoted  nations  of  the  earth  were  never  more  com- 
plete or  appalling." 

Those  who  are  old  enough  to  remember  that  most  shameful 
period  of  our  history  will  readily  recall  the  degradation,  the 
crimes  against  civilization,  and  the  terrorism  which  then  pre- 
vailed, and  how  amidst  the  general  dismay  the  faint-hearted 
stood  helpless  and  silent  before  the  arbitrary  and  reckless  power 
exercised  over  them;  and  they  will  also  remember  with  still  more 
vividness  how,  as  to  a  trumpet  call,  the  strong  hearts  and  brave 
thrilled  responsive  to  every  word  and  act  of  those  who  stood 
amidst  the  storm,  erect,  steadfast,  and  true  to  their  birthright. 
Leader  among  the  leaders  of  them  was  William  L.  Saunders, 
and  this  exhibition  of  his  dauntless  spirit  before  the  chief  priests 
of  the  persecution,  assembled  at  the  capitol  of  the  country,  and 


8 

panoplied  with  irresponsible  power,  won  for  him  a  claim  to  the 
admiration  of  all  true  men. 

From  that  day  he  began  to  grow  in  public  esteem,  and  to  be 
regarded  as  one  in  whose  faithfulness  and  sagacity  the  people 
might  safely  confide.  Soon  afterwards  he  began  his  editorial 
career  in  Wilmington,  and  at  once  acquired  an  influence  in  pub- 
lic affairs  which  gradually  spread  all  over  the  State;  and  when, 
several  years  later,  he  removed  to  Raleigh,  and  became  one  of  the 
editors  of  the  Observer,  he  was  a  recognized  power  in  North 
Carolina. 

It  would  not,  I  think,  be  an  exaggeration  to  say  that  while 
occupying  this  position,  and  afterwards  the  office  of  Secretary  of 
State,  he  was  more  frequently  consulted  by  leading  citizens,  not 
only  in  regard  to  political  affairs,  but  to  various  matters  of 
general  public  interest,  than  any  man  in  the  State. 

The  reason  was  that  to  an  eminently  practical  cast  of  mind  he 
united  a  rare  judgment  and  a  quick  perception  of  the  relations  of 
things,  which  made  him  a  wise  and  safe  counsellor — the  wisest 
and  safest,  perhaps,  of  his  generation  of  public  men  in  North 
Carolina.  He  was  never  disconcerted  by  difficulties  and  never 
lost  his  balance,  but  always  kept  a  clear  head  and  maintained  a 
calm  self-possession.  In  addition  to  a  natural  modesty  he  pos- 
sessed the  rare  faculty  of  knowing  exactly  when  to  speak,  and 
when  to  be  silent,  and  his  capacity  for  patiently  listening 
amounted  to  genius.  Rapid  in  thought  he  was  always  de- 
liberate of  speech,  and  action.  Conservative,  cautious,  and 
prudent,  his  judgments  were  apt  to  stand  without  revision, 
and  it  is  doubtful  if  in  his  whole  editorial  career  he  ever  had 
occasion  to  recall  one  as  unjust,  or  extravagant.  It  is  not 
strange,  therefore,  that  his  counsel  was  sought  in  times  of 
doubt  and  difficulty,  and  was  followed  with  confidence  by  those 
to  whom  he  gave  it.  And  when  his  social  character  is  considered 
it  is  still  less  surprising,  for  he  was  so  genial,  and  gentle,  and 
kindly,  and  cheerful  that  it  was  a  pleasure  to  be  associated  with 
him. 


I  never  knew  a  man,  apparently  so  practical  and  emotionless, 
whose  sympathies  were  more  easily  reached,  or  whose  impulses 
were  more  generous.  His  strong  aversion  to  a  display  of  feeling 
by  others  was  often  attributable  to  his  consciousness  of  his  own 
inability  to  withstand  it.  A  pathetic  story,  or  a  burst  of  eloquence 
would  bring  tears  to  his  eyes.  The  truth  is  that,  little  as  it  was 
suspected  by  those  who  were  not  near  to  him,  he  was  a  man  of 
decidedly  emotional  nature.  And,  as  a  corollary,  he  possessed 
the  keenest  sense  of  humor,  and  enjoyed  a  laughable  incident  as 
heartily  as  any  one  I  ever  knew. 

These  personal  traits,  added  to  the  moral  and  intellectual 
characteristics  to  which  I  have  referred,  will  readily  account  for 
his  great  and  widespread  influence,  and  for  the  hosts  of  friends 
throughout  the  State  who  honored  him  while  living  and  sincerely 
mourn  his  death. 

He  had  always  cherished  a  loyal  affection  for  this  University 
of  which  he  was  a  graduate,  and  in  1875  he  became  a  Trustee 
and  member  of  the  Executive  Committee,  and  so  remained  until 
his  death.  He  was  also  appointed  Secretary  and  Treasurer, 
which  position  he  filled  for  nearly  the  same  length  of  time.  In 
the  discharge  of  his  duties  in  these  capacities,  although  for  the 
larger  part  of  the  time  a  confirmed  invalid  and  great  sufferer,  he 
did  as  much  to  "revive,  foster,  and  enlarge"  the  University, 
according  to  the  testimony  of  the  Faculty  themselves,  as  any  one 
had  ever  done.  In  the  tribute  which  they  paid  to  him  soon  after 
his  death  they  used  this  language  : 

"From  his  graduation  to  the  day  of  his  death  he  was  loyal  to 
his  Alma  Mater,  and  gave  to  her  the  best  thoughts  of  his  big 
brain,  and  the  ardent  affection  of  his  great  heart.  Watchful, 
steadfast,  patient,  and  wise,  he  never  lost  sight  of  her  interest, 
never  wavered  in  her  support,  and,  when  the  crises  demanded  it, 
marshalled  and  led  her  alumni  to  her  defence." 

Every  one  who  knew  him  at  all  intimately  will  corroborate 
these  statements  of  the  Faculty,  for  his  profound  interest  in  the 
welfare  of  the  University  was  constantly  manifested  in  his  conver- 
sation as  well  as  in  his  acts.     He  loved  the  grey  walls  of  these 


10 

old  buildings,  and  the  refreshing  shade  of  these  majestic  oaks 
with  an  hereditary  as  well  as  with  a  personal  affection,  and  in  the 
evil  days  that  followed  the  war  the  silence  and  desolation  which 
reigned  here  grieved  him  sorely,  and  stimulated  him  to  the  task 
of  restoring  the  University  to  her  ancient  prestige. 

But  a  higher  motive  than  mere  sentiment  moved  him  to  the 
work.  He  regarded  it  with  the  eye  of  a  statesman  and  a  patriot, 
and  anticipated  the  blessings  it  would  bring  to  future  generations. 

It  was  eminently  fit,  therefore,  that  the  Alumni  should  have 
dedicated  this  hour  to  his  memory,  and  have  thus  acknowledged 
their  obligation  for  his  services. 

The  crowning  labor  of  his  life,  however,  and  the  one  which 
will  constitute  a  more  lasting  monument  to  him  than  any  that 
others  could  erect,  was  his  "Colonial  Records."  I  do  not  know 
how  others  may  view  the  circumstances  which  attended  the  con- 
ception and  execution  of  this  invaluable  work,  but  to  my  mind 
they  appear  to  have  been  clearly  Providential. 

At  different  times  in  the  history  of  the  State  spasmodic  efforts 
had  been  made  to  secure  the  early  records  which  were  known  to 
exist  in  England,  but  these  efforts  were  mostly  individual,  and 
supported  by  very  limited  means,  and  they  resulted  in  a  very 
unsatisfactory  collection  of  fragmentary  material. 

When  the  Legislature  finally  resolved  to  make  a  sufficient 
appropriation,  and  to  inaugurate  an  authoritative  search  for  all 
documents  bearing  upon  our  Colonial  history,  Col.  Saunders 
had  never  paid  any  especial  attention  to  the  subject;  and  if  his 
health  had  not  failed  the  probability — nay  the  certainty — was 
that  he  would  have  been  promoted  to  higher  positions  than  that 
of  Secretary  of  State — the  incumbent  of  which  office  was  required 
to  superintend  the  publication  of  the  material,  when  obtained  — 
and  thus  the  labor  of  editing  it  would  have  fallen  upon  his  suc- 
cessor, who,  whatever  his  capabilities  for  the  ordinary  duties  of 
the  office  might  have  been,  would  almost  certainly  have  fallen 
far  short  of  the  supreme  excellence  as  an  historical  editor  which 
he  developed.     But  his  painful    malady,   which  was   doubtless 


11 

partly  the  result  of  wounds  and  exposure  during  the  war,  about 
this  time  began  to  confine  him  to  indoor  life  and  soon  to  his 
chair,  and  thus  he  was  anchored  for  his  life-work.  From  the 
begining  he  was  interested  in  it  —in  a  very  short  time  he  became 
enthusiastic  over  it — and  thence  forward  he  gave  his  whole  mind 
and  heart  to  it.  The  result  to  him  personally  was  that  he  be- 
came, beyond  all  comparison,  the  best  informed  man  upon  our 
Colonial  history  that  has  ever  lived,  while  in  the  extent,  and 
accuracy  of  his  knowledge  of  the  subsequent  history  of  the  State 
he  has  had  very  few  equals.  To  one  who  was  interested  in  such 
studies  it  was  a  great  pleasure  to  listen  to  his  criticisms  upon  and 
discussions  of  those  early  men  and  times  in  North  Carolina,  and 
his  Prefatory  Notes  to  the  different  volumes  of  the  Records  are 
a  masterful  presentation  of  the  trials  and  struggles  of  our  fore- 
fathers, and  a  glorious  vindication  of  them  against  the  historical 
scavengers  who  have  sought  to  defame  them.  The  vindication, 
too,  is  not  that  of  the  advocate  or  the  rhetorician,  but  of  the  calm, 
fact-weighing  historian  and  philosopher.  JSTow,  since  he  has 
opened  and  arranged  this  store  house  of  facts,  which  were  here- 
tofore unknown  or  only  guessed  at,  the  history  of  North  Carolina 
can  be  fully  and  truthfully  written,  and  it  is  to  be  hoped  that  some 
equally  devoted  son  of  hers  will  soon  take  up  the  task,  and  per- 
form it  as  acceptably  as  he  did  his. 

Nothing  so  delighted  him  in  his  investigations  as  the  discovery 
of  facts  which  proved  the  existence  among  the  early  settlers  of 
the  Democratic  spirit,  and  no  incidents  roused  his  enthusiasm 
like  those  in  which  this  spirit  forcibly  asserted  itself.  He  would 
quietly  smile  at  the  conduct  of  such  characters  as  John  Starkey, 
who  despite  sneers  and  ridicule  persistently  refused  to  wear  shoe- 
buckles  and  a  queue,  but  his  eye  would  kindle  and  his  cheek 
glow  at  such  declarations  as  that  of  John  Ashe  that  the  people 
would  resist  the  Stamp  Act  "to  blood  and  death."  His  sympa- 
thies were  altogether  with  those  who,  like  the  Regulators,  sought 
redress  of  grievances  even  by  violent  and  revolutionary  methods, 
beciuse  he  believed  that,  underlying  all  such  movements  there 
was  the  true  spirit  of  liberty  and  devotion  to  the  rights  of  man; 


12 

which  were  to  him  of  inestimably  greater  importance  than  the 
preservation  of  the  forms  of  law,  or  even  the  peace  of  society. 

But  he  indulged  in  no  harsh  criticism  of  those  other  patriots 
who — believing  that  liberty  regulated  by  law  was  the  only  liberty 
worth  preserving,  and  fearing  for  the  safety  of  society — aided  in 
suppressing  such  movements;  for  he  knew  and  honored  their 
motives,  notwithstanding  his  own  strong  sympathy  with  those 
who  resisted  and  fought  them. 

In  a  word  he  pursued  his  labors  with  the  true  spirit  of  historic 
investigation,  and  meted  out  with  an  impartial  hand  honor  to 
whom  honor  was  due,  and  blame  to  all  who  deserved  it.  And 
he  rejoiced  in  the  work  of  rescuing  from  oblivion  the  names  and 
the  noble  acts  of  the  pioneers  of  our  civilization  and  in  placing 
them  in  their  true  light  for  the  admiration  of  posterity. 

In  this  work  he  was  engaged  for  about  eleven  years,  with  fre- 
quent interruptions  caused  by  illness,  and  a  more  conscientious, 
faithful,  and  valuable  work  has  never  been  done  for  North  Car- 
olina. It  is  the  great  reservoir  of  facts  from  which  all  must  draw 
who  would  write  accurately  and  truthfully  the  history  of  the  first 
century  of  our  civilization. 

It  was  done  by  a  true  and  loving  hand,  under  the  inspiration 
of  a  brave  and  loyal  heart,  without  the  least  expectation  or  hope 
of  reward  of  any  kind,  and  solely  for  the  honor  of  the  State 
which  gave  him  birth,  and  the  people  to  whose  welfare  he  devoted 
all  the  years  of  his  life. 

And  this  is  attested  by  the  glowing  words  with  which  he  con- 
cluded the  long  and  laborious  task,  and  which  are  instinct  with 
the  spirit  of  a  lofty  patriotism. 

Hear  those  words,  his  last  public  utterance,  in  which  he  in- 
voked God's  blessing  on  his  native  State: 

"And  now  the  self-imposed  task,  begun  some  eleven  years  ago, 
is  finished.  All  that  I  care  to  say  is  that  I  have  done  the  best  I 
could  that  coming  generations  might  be  able  to  learn  what  man- 
ner of  men  their  ancestors  were,  and  this  I  have  done  without 
reward  or  the  hope  of  reward,  other  than  the  hope  that  I  might 
contribute  something  to    rescue  the  fair  fame  and  good  name  of 


13 

North  Carolina  from  the  clutches  of  ignorance.  Our  records  are 
now  before  the  world,  and  any  man  who  chooses  may  see  for 
himself  the  character  of  the  people  who  made  them.  As  for  my- 
self, when  I  search  these  North  Carolina  scriptures  and  read  the 
story  of  her  hundred  years'  struggle  with  the  mother  country  for 
Constitutional  Government  and  the  no  less  wonderful  story  of 
her  hundred  years'  struggle  with  the  savage  Indian  for  very  life, 
both  culminating  in  her  first  great  revolution;  and  then  coming 
down  to  her  second  great  revolution,  when  I  remember  how  the 
old  State  bared  her  bosom  to  the  mighty  storm,  how  she  sent 
her  sons  to  the  field,  until  both  the  cradle  and  the  grave  were 
robbed  of  their  just  rights;  how  devotedly  those  sons  stood  before 
shot  and  shell  and  the  deadly  bullet,  so  that  their  bones  whitened 
every  battlefield,  when  I  remember  how  heroically  she  endured 
every  privation,  until  starvation  was  at  her  very  doors,  and  until 
raiment  was  as  scarce  as  food,  and  with  what  fortitude  she  met 
defeat,  when  aAer  Appomattox,  all  seemed  lost,  save  honor; 
especially,  when  I  remember  how,  in  the  darkest  of  all  hours, 
rallying  once  more  to  the  struggle  for  Constitutional  Govern- 
ment, she  enlisted  for  the  war  of  Reconstruction,  fought  it  out  to 
the  end,  finally  wresting  glorious  victory  from  the  very  jaws  of 
disastrous  defeat,  I  bow  my  head  in  gratitude  and  say  as  our 
great  Confederate  commander,  the  immortal  Lee,  said,  when 
watching  the  brilliant  fight  some  of  our  regiments  were  making, 
at  a  critical  time  in  one  of  his  great  battles,  he  exclaimed  in  the 
fulness  of  his  heart,  'God  bless  old  North  Carolina.'  " 

When  his  work  was  finished  the  General  Assembly  passed  a 
resolution  of  thanks  to  him  by  a  rising  vote,  and  this  honor, 
which  his  own  diffidence  had  not  allowed  him  to  anticipate, 
seemed  to  be  accepted  by  him  as  a  sufficient  compensation  for 
all  he  had  done,  and  touched  him,  perhaps,  as  no  other  event  of 
his  life  had  done. 

And  now,  the  one  object,  for  the  accomplishment  of  which  he 
had  so  earnestly  hoped  almost  against  hope  that  his  life  might 
be  spared,  having  been  attained — the  stimulant  which  had  sus- 
tained him  during  years  of  racking  pain  being  withdrawn — his 
mortal  part  began  to  succumb  to  the  malady  of  which  he  was  a 
victim,  and  he  gradually  yielded  to  its  assaults  until  the  2d  day 
of  April,  1 891,  when  he  "fell  on  sleep,"  and  the  weary  soul  found 
rest. 


14 

Sweet  be  his  rest,  and  glorious  his  awaking  !  And  may  the 
State  whose  honor  was  the  object  nearest  his  heart  bear  him  in 
rememberance  as  a  mother  her  offspring ! 

No  thought  of  impending  evil  to  her  disturbed  his  last  hours. 
The  morning  sun  whose  beams  first  fell  upon  his  new-made 
grave,  journeying  Westward  looked  down  upon  her  broad  do- 
main and  found  there  only  peace,  fraternity,  and  good  government 
— those  blessings  for  which  in  her  behalf  he  strove  with  single 
minded  devotion.  In  the  brief  year  that  has  since  elapsed  she  has 
been  again  encompassed  with  danger,  and  threatened  with  disas- 
ter— disaster  which,  if  it  had  come,  would  not  have  been  the  work 
of  alien  hands  as  before,  but  would  have  had  the  added  sting  of  be- 
ing wrought  by  her  own  sons.  As  his  living  presence  would  have 
been  most  potent  to  avert  it,  so — now  that  the  peril  seems  happily 
passed — none  can  more  heartily  rejoice  than  would  he  at  her 
escape,  for  not  dearer  to  the  Psalmist  was  the  peace  of  Jerusalem 
than  to  his  heart  the  welfare  of  his  native  State. 

Recently  I  stood,  at  night,  on  the  narrow  peninsula  where 
twenty-seven  years  ago  fleet  and  fort  proclaimed  in  thunder  the 
fame  of  Fort  Fisher.  To  the  eastward  heaved  the  sea,  on  whose 
rolling  billows  the  rising  moon  poured  a  flood  of  silvery  light, 
while  opposite,  and  hanging  low  above  the  shining  river  in  the 
limitless  depths  of  the  western  heavens,  glowed  the  serene  orb  of 
the  evening  planet,  whos<=  glories  heightened  as  it  neared  the 
horizon.  Between  lay  the  long  line  of  ragged  mounds  over 
which  the  tide  of  battle  ebbed  and  flowed  when  the  expiring 
hopes  of  a  brave  people  were  forever  extinguished.  Beneath 
wave  and  earth-mound  alike  patriot  bones  were  bleaching, 
mute  witnesses  of  the  horrors  of  civil  strife  and  of  the  empti- 
ness of  human  ambition.  Higher  rose  the  goddess  of  the  night, 
wider  grew  the  sheen  upon  the  waters,  lower  and  more  luminous 
sank  the  star.  A  solemn  stillness,  unbroken  save  by  the  voices 
of  the  night-wind  and  the  sea,  reigned  supreme. 

A  more  beautiful  or  a  more  impressive  spectacle  never  greeted 
the  gaze  of  one  who  looks  reverently  and  wondenngly  upon  the 


15 

splendors  of  the  physical  universe,  and  as  I  watched  that  evening 
planet  sinking  to  its  rest  a  voice  within  me  whispered  :  "So  too 
to  the  patriot's  eye  there  is  no  vision  more  grateful  than  the  career 
of  him  who,  forgetful  of  self  and  mindful  only  of  the  rights  and 
liberties  of  his  fellowmen,  gives  his  life  to  their  service,  and,  with 
the  lustre  of  his  virtues  ever  brightening  to  the  end,  passes  from 
their  view." 


^ 


ADDRESS 


KEMl'  I\  BATTLE,  LL.  D. 


LIFE  HND  SERVICES 


Brigadier  General  Jethro  Sumner, 


AT   THK 


BATTLE  GROUND 


Guilford  Court  House, 

JULY  4TH,   1891. 


GREENSBORO: 

Reece&   Elam,  Book  and  Job  Printers. 

1 891. 


ADDRESS 


KEMP  P.  BATTLE,  LL.  D. 


ON    THE 


LIFE  AND  SERVICES 


OF 


Brigadier  General  Jethro  Sumner, 

AT   THE 


BATTLE  GROUND 


Guilford  Court  House, 

JULY  4TH.  1 891. 


GREENSBORO: 

Reece  &  Elam,  Book  and  Job  Printers. 

1 891. 


The  President  of  the  Gailford  Battle-Ground  Com- 
pany, who,  with  wonderful  energy  and  success,  has  been 
making  green  the  memories  of  the  warriors,  who,  on  the 
15th  of  March,  178 1,  1 10  years  ago,  on  this  spot  inflicted 
on  the  disciplined  army  of  Cornwallis  the  blow  which 
saved  the  Carolinas  from  slavery,  has  caused  to  be  trans- 
ported the  remains  of  General  Jethro  Sumner  from  the 
wilds  of  Warren  county  to  yonder  green  mound.  The 
heavy  stones,  which  by  the  care  of  his  daughter,  were 
over  his  dust,  have  been  reverently  taken  down  and  as 
reverently  re-erected  here,  It  is  my  duty  to-day  to  en- 
deavor to  aid  the  noble  efforts  of  our  President  in  sweep- 
ing away  the  dust  which  has  accumulated  over  the  his- 
tory of  this  patriot  of  1776. 

The  task  has  not  been  an  easy  one.  The  facts  of  his 
career  were  only  obtainable  by  diligent  re-search  through 
many  manuscripts  of  a  public  nature  and  through  numer- 
ous volumes  relating  to  the  history  of  Virginia  and  the 
Carolinas  and  of  the  United  States.  His  Family  Bible, 
his  private  papers,  his  correspondence  with  his  intimate 
friends,  have  been  in  the  vicissitudes  of  years  irretrieva- 
bly lost.  If  I  do  not  depict  with  such  detail  as  you  would 
like  large  parts  of  his  career,  you  must  attribute  the  fail- 
ure, not  to  want  of  industry  on  my  part,  but  to  the  de- 
struction of  the  family  records,  so  characteristic  of  this 
res  less,  rapidly  changing  population  of  ours. 

We  know  nothing  of  Gen.  Jethro  Sumner's  family  in  Eng- 
land, whence  it  came.  It  must  have  been  one  of  respecta- 
bility and  6ubstance,  for  we  find  his  grand-father  William 
Sumner  becomingafree-holder  of  Virginia  soon  after  Wil- 
liam and  Mary  ousted  from  the  English  throne  Mary's 
tyrannical  father,  James  II.     He  came  about  the  time  of 


the  removal  by  the  choleric  Governor  Nicholson  of  the 
capitol  from  Jamestown  to  Williamsburg  and  of  the  found- 
ing of  the  second  college  in  America,  the  noble  old  Wil- 
liam and  Mary,  named  in  honor  of  the  new  Sovereigns, 
(1691).  On  his  plantation,  called  Manor,  (for  English 
ways  and  English  names  were  then  much  liked)  one  mile 
from  the  town  of  Suffolk,  he  raised  his  tobacco  and  his 
corn  and  wheat,  and  after  the  fashion  of  the  day,  his 
blooded  horses  and  fat  cattle,  while  a  family  of  five  boys 
and  one  daughter  grew  up  around  him. 

The  name  of  the  daughter  has  not  come  down  to  us. 
The  names  of  the  five  boys  were  Jethro,  John,  James,  Wil- 
liam and  Dempsey.  It  is  altogether  probable  that  Jethro 
was  the  oldest.  The  right  of  primo-geniture  then  ex- 
isted and  was  dear  to  the  land-holders,  who  had  not  lost 
their  English  love  of  aggrandizing  the  family  name  by 
entailing  the  principal  homestead  on  the  oldest  son.  I 
find  that  Jethro  Sumner  was  in  1743  one  of  the  first  ves- 
trymen of  the  Episcopal  church  at  Suffolk,  and  his  oldest 
son,  Thomas,  was  in  his  stead  four  years  afterwards- 
General  Sumner  in  his  will  refers  to  the  "  Manor  planta- 
tion" of  his  brother  in  Virginia.  These  facts  seem  to  show 
that  Jethro,  the  elder,  inherited  the  paternal  land. 

They  are  not  conclusive,  however.  There  is  a  seem- 
ingly well  authenticated  tradition  that  he  married  a 
wealthy  woman.  This  may  have  enabled  him  to  own  a 
"Manor  plantation"  near  his  native  place,  to  attain  the 
dignity  of  a  vestryman,  and  devolve  the  same  on  his  eld- 
est  son. 

Jethro  Sumner,  the  elder,  died  early,  leaving  three  chil- 
dren, Thomas,  already  named,  Jethro  and  Sarah.  Thomas 
lived  many  years  and  died  a  bachelor,  though,  not  child- 
less. General  Sumner's  will  shows  that  he  did  not  devise 
his  "Manor  plantation"  to  him,  but  bequeathed  him  only 
a  legacy  in  money. 


Sarah  married  a  man  with  the  singular  name  of  Rush- 
■worms,  whose  family  seems  to  have  become  extinct. 

Jethro  Sumner,  the  younger,  was  born  in  1733  and  was 
probably  about  twelve  years  of  age  at  the  death  of  his 
father.  How  long  he  had  been  deprived  of  a  mother's 
care  we  do  not  know.  There  is  a  tradition  that  he  was 
well  cared  for  by  his  mother's  mother. 

It  is  important  to  understand  the  influences  by  which 
his  character  was  moulded  and  his  physical  powers  fitted 
for  the  rough  life  he  was  destined  to  undergo.  To  use 
the  word  so  much  a  favorite  with  scientists,  what  were 
'his  environments  in  childhood  and  boyhood? 

His  father,  as  I  have  stated,  was  a  vestryman  of  a  par- 
ish of  the  church  of  England,  that  of  Suffolk.  Associa- 
ted with  him  was  Andrew  Meade,  one  of  the  wealthiest 
and  most  influential  men  of  his  day,  -father  of  Richard 
Kidder  Meade,  one  of  Washington's  most  trusted  aides- 
decamp  throughout  the  Revolutionary  war,  and  grand- 
father of  the  eminent  Bishop  William  Meade,  who  re- 
vived the  Episcopal  church  in  Virginia  and  whose  book 
on  the  "Old  Churches  and  Families  of  Virginia"  is  a 
store-house  of  valuable  information.  With  Meade  and 
Sumner  were  Edward  and  John  Norfleet,  Lemuel  Rid- 
dick,  Daniel  Pugh  and  John  Gregory,  members  of  prom- 
inent families  in  Virginia  and  North  Carolina.  It  was.  the 
custom  for  the  heads  of  the  great  families  of  each  neigh- 
borhood to  be  placed  on  the  vestries  because,  as  church 
and  State  were  united,  they  were  civil  as  well  as  ecclesi- 
astical officers.  They  levied  taxes  and  enforced  the  laws. 
Most  of  the  Burgesses  who  made  the  laws  were  vestry- 
men. In  the  old  vestry  lists  appear  George  Washing- 
ton, Peyton  Randolph,  Edmund  Pendleton,  General  Nel- 
son, Governor  Page,  Richard  Henry  Lee,  George  Mason 
and  hundreds  of  others,  the  best  men  of  Virginia. 
While  nominal  adhesion  to   the  Church  of  England  was 


required,  no  exhibition  of  piety  or  religious  behaviour 
was  a  condition  precedent  or  subsequent  for  holding  the 
office.  In  many  cases  parsons  were  not  patterns  for  their 
flocks.  I  give  only  one  instance  out  of  many  to  illustrate 
this  statement.  One  of  the  colonial  parsons  engaged  in 
a  fisticuff  fight  with  his  vestry  and  signalized  his  success 
over  his  adversaries  by  a  triumphant  sermon  on  the  fol- 
lowing Sunday  on  the  text  from  the  prophet  Nehemiah, 
"  I  contended  with  them  and  cursed  them,  and  smote 
certain  of  them  and  plucked  off  their  hair."  It  is  to  the 
credit  of  the  vestry  of  Suffolk  that  they  ejected  from 
their  church  one  Balfour  who  was  guilty  of  drunkenness 
and  profanity.  Of  course  there  were  numbers  of  ex- 
cellent men  like  Commissary  Blair,  but  when  bad  exam- 
ples were  not  uncommon  it  could  not  be  expected  that  the 
laity  should  have  a  much  higher  standard  of  Godly  piety. 
The  East  Virginia  planters  of  Colonial  days  were  a 
race  of  striking  virtues,  but  with  many  defects  both  as  to 
character  and  conduct.  They  were  high  spirited,  brave 
and  truthful.  They  were  loyal  to  the  English  Crown,  but 
they  understood  their  rights  and  were  always  ready  to 
defend  them.  As  their  plantations  supplied  them  with 
nearly  all  the  necessaries  of  life  and  they  had  a  surplus 
sufficient  to  furnish  theguns  and  powder  and  shot,  the  tea 
and  coffee  and  sugar, the  ribbons,  the  laces  and  other  knick- 
nacks,  which  the  fair  sex  of  all  ages  and  under  every 
clime  must  have  to  gild  the  refined  gold  of  their  natural 
charms,  they  were  in  heart  and  habit  independent.  The 
country  mansions  were  the  theatres  of  generous  hospi- 
tality and  kindness.  There  was  lavish  abundance  of 
home-made  productions.  There  was  not  much  travelling 
when  thirty-five  or  forty  miles  a  day  over  rough  roads 
and  dangerous  ferries  were  the  rule,  but  the  people  were 
free  from  the  feverish  restlessness  engendered  by  our 
railroads  and  steamboats.     The  occasional  visits  to  rela- 


tives  and  friends  on  occasions  of  weddings  or  natal  days 
•or  Christmas  holidays,  or  to  the  great  world  at  Norfolk 
or  Richmond,  or  the  capital,  Williamsburg,  were  produc- 
tive of  more  thrilling  pleasure  than  the  frequent  and 
stale  modern  excursions  to  seaside  or  to  mountain. 

The  occasional  visits  to  the  town  gave  glimpses  into 
the  world  of  fashion.  Theatrical  companies  aped  the  act- 
ing of  London  and  Paris,  and  the  great  balls  brought  out 
powdered  wigs  and  bespangled  coats  and  magnitudinous 
hoops  and  gorgeous  silks  and  ruffles  which  would  have 
passed  muster  in  the  circles  beyond  the  Atlantic. 

The  colonial  planters  were  devoted  to  horses,  and 
boasted  justly  that  they  owned  scions  of  the  best  racers 
■of  England.  They  had  frequent  races  and  both  sexes 
thought  it  no  harm  to  bet  on  them,  the  men  heavily,  often 
to  the  impairment  of  their  fortunes,  the  ladies  seldom 
venturing  beyond  a  pair  of  gloves.  Foxes  abounded  so 
as  to  threaten  the  existence  of  lambs  and  poultry;  great 
hunts  were  not  only  a  sport  but  a  necessity.  These  were 
rounded  off  with  bountiful  feasts  and  drinking  frolics, 
thereby  causing  the  name  of  fox-hunting  to  be  synono- 
mous  with  reckless  dissipation.  Cock-fighting  and  gam- 
bling atcards  were  considered  respectable  in  those  "good 
old  days."  Grand  balls  assembled  the  young  and  the  old  for 
the  stately  minuet  and  the  lively  Virginia  reel,  and  wed- 
dings were  celebrated  with  festivities  which  lasted  for 
many  days.  They  were  a  gay  and  fun-loving  people. 
There  has  come  down  to  us  an  advertisement  which  de- 
scribes the  sports  which  doubtless  young  Jethro  often 
joined. 

First  is  to  be  a  horse-race.  Then  came  a  match  at 
cudgelling  (or  fighting  with  sticks)  for  a  hat  as  the  win- 
ner's prize.  Then  twenty  fiddlers  are  to  compete  for  a 
new  fiddle,  all  the  competitors  to  play  together  and  each 
a  different  tune.     Twelve  boys  are  to  run  1 12  yards  for  a 


8 

hat  worth  twelve  shillings.  A  wrestling- match  follows;- a? 
silver  buckle  is  to  adorn  the  leg  of  the  victor.  The  pret- 
tiest girl  on  the  ground  is  to  have  a  pair  of  silk  stockings 
worth  a  "pistole"  (a  Spanish  gold  coin  of  about  $4.00 
value).  The  managers  assure  the  public  that  "  this  mirth 
is  designed  to  be  purely  innocent." 

The  young  men  learned  the  art  &(  horsemanship  not 
only  in  fox-chases,  but  by  constant  habit  of  visiting  and 
travelling  on  horseback.  So  deep-rooted  was  this  fash- 
ion, that  a  traveller  of  that  day  avers  that  he  has  often 
seen  men  walk  five  miles  to  catch  a  horse  in  order  to  ride 
one. 

The  use  of  fire-arms  was  learned  by  practice  in  hunt- 
ing- bears  and  deer,  wild  turkeys  and  squirrels,  and  other 
game  so  numerous  as  to  seriously  threaten  the  existence 
of  food  crops.  Shooting-matches,  too,  were  common, 
the  victor  not  only  winning  the  stake,  but  receiving  the 
plaudits  of  admiring  neighborhoods. 

There  was  little  of  what  we  call  education.  A  (e\v 
boys  received  college  training  at  William  and  Mary. 
Still  fewer  were  sent  to  the  great  schools  or  universities 
of  England,  but  the  greater  part  were  content  with  read- 
ing and  writing  and  a  little  arithmetic.  The  writing  was 
invariably  legible,  but  much  liberty  in  spelling  was  al- 
lowable. Shakespeare  spelt  his  own  name  in  four  differ- 
ent ways  150  years  before,  and  his  example  of  indepen- 
cy  was  followed  in  colonial  times.  If  Washington  and 
his  generals  had  not  fought  better  than  they  spelt,  Clin- 
ton and  Cornwallis  would  have  shaken  hands  over  a  sub- 
jugated country.  In  General  Sumner's  will  the  county  of 
"  Isle  of  Wight"  is  spelled  "  Ilewhite."  The  gallant 
Murfree  writes  of  "  legenary  coors"  (legionary  corps). 
Uniform  spelling  came  in  with  Webster's  blue-back  spell- 
ing-book. The  colonial  gentleman  was  likewise  too 
proud  to  be  willing  to  submit  himself  to  the  strict  gram- 


matical  fules  of  the    solemn  pedant    who    posed   as    the 
predecessor  of  Lindley  Murray. 

But  while  there  was  little  education  from  books,  there 
was  a  most  valuable  training  from  the  exigencies  of  life 
in  a  country  full  of  natural  resources,  but  requiring  for 
their  development  incessant  watchfulness  and  incessant 
toil.  The  carrying  the  chain  and  the  compass  through 
thickets  almost  impenetrable  and  swamps  almost  impass- 
ible, the  felling  of  forests,  the  defence  from  floods,  the 
war  of  extermination  against  wild  animals,  the  occasional 
march  to  help  the  settlers  of  the  mountain  lands  to  repel 
the  hostile,  or  to  barter  for  furs  with  the  friendly,  In- 
dians, the  rough  sports  on  horse  and  on  foot,  all  these, 
joined  with  watchful  criticism  and  discussion  of  their  rights 
by  charter  and  by  inheritance,  made  a  hardy,  self-reliant, 
independent,  proud  and  daring  people.  They  were,  as  a 
rule,  respectlul  to  those  in  authority,  friendly  and  courteous 
to  their  equals,  kind  and  considerate  to  their  inferiors,  but 
equally  ready  when  angered  by  encroachment  upon  their 
rights  to  resist  fiercely,  to  avenge  insults,  to  crush  insub- 
ordination even  with  cruelty. 

While  the  bulk  of  the  Eastern  Virginia  planters  pre- 
served the  characteristics  I  have  described,  there  were 
great  modifications  in  individual  instances  caused  by  the 
New  Light  revival  of  religion  about  the  time  when  the 
celebrated  George  Whitefield  passed  through  the  colonies, 
and  by  the  thunders  of  his  eloquence  mightily  stirred  the 
hearts  of  the  people.  Many  were  moved  to  discard  the 
prevailing  amusements  as  sinful,  but  in  the  main  the  old 
ways  and  sentiments  continued  until  rudely  interrupted 
by  the  terrible  destruction  of  wealth  caused  by  the  .war  of 
Independence.  In  some  communities  they  lingered  for 
many  years  afterwards,  even  up  to  the  recent  great  civil 
war. 

I    have  been    minute  in    depicting    the  habits  and  the 


X 


10 

character  of  the  people  among  whom  young  Jethro  Sum- 
ner was  trained  up  to  manhood,  because  in  describing 
them  I  have  pictured  him.  His  removal  to  North  Caro- 
lina did  not  change  him  for  the  better  or  for  the  worse. 

Hardly  had  Jethro  Sumner  reached  maturity  before  a 
contest  broke  out,  of  tremendous  influence  on  the  destinies 
of  this  country.  This  was  the  great  struggle  between 
the  French  and  the  English  for  the  ownership  of  the 
magnificent  territory,  drained  by  the  Mississippi  and  the 
great  lakes  and  their  tributaries.  The  French  sought  by 
connecting  Quebec  and  New  Orleans  with  chains  of  forts, 
and  by  gaining  the  alliance  of  powerful  Indian  tribes  to 
confine  the  English  between  the  ocean  and  the  Allegha- 
nies.  If  this  plan  should  succeed  the  hated  Gauls  with 
their  corrupt,  despotic  government  and  Roman  Catholic 
religion,  would  dominate  the  Western  world,  as  under  the 
Grand  Monarque,  Louis  XIV,  they  had  dominated  Europe. 
The  English  colonies  would  be  stunted  in  their  growth 
and  possibly  be  swallowed  up  finally  by  their  powerful 
neighbor.  The  colonies  saw  their  danger  and  from 
Maine  to  Georgia  they  declared  for  war. 

In  the  early  stages  the  plans  of  the  French  were 
crowned  with  success.  Our  colonies  had  been  designedly 
kept  in  a  state  of  pupilage  to  the  mother  country.  While 
there  was  great  individual  capacity,  they  had  not  been 
taught  to  organize  into  armies.  Looking  each  to  Eng- 
land for  their  commerce,  and  most  of  them  for  their  chief 
executive  and  judicial  officers  and  their  clergy,  they  knew 
little  of  one  another.  Their  laws  were  subject  to  the 
royal  veto.  They  had  not  learned  the  immense  value  of 
union  among  themselves.  Their  levies  of  soldiers  were 
badly  supported  and  badly  armed.  At  first  too,  the  Eng- 
lish government  supported  them  in  a  manner  feeble  and 
actually  tending  to  cripple  their  efforts.  The  officers 
sent  were  stupid  and   arrogant,  as  full  of  conceit  of  their 


I  [ 

own  importance  as  contempt  for  the  colonists.  There 
was  disaster  almost  everywhere.  Washington  was  forced 
to  surrender  to  superior  numbers  at  Great  Meadows  in 
1754.  In  1755  the  pompous  but  brave  old  braggart, 
Braddock,  lost  his  army  and  his  life  near  Fort  Du 
Ouesne,  the  English  were  driven  from  Oswego,  and  from 
Lake  George  and  the  able  and  heroic  Montcalm  held 
possession  of  Louisburg,  which  commands  the  mouth  of 
the  St.  Lawrence,  Crown  Point  and  Ticonderoga  on  Lake 
Champlain,  Frontenac  and  Niagara  on  Lake  Ontario, 
Presque  Isle  on  Lake  Erie  and  the  chain  of  forts  ending 
with  Fort  DuQuesne  on  the  Ohio,  while  ruthless  savages 
were  laying  waste  the  entire  North  West  frontier  of  the 
British  colonies. 

In  1757  the  genius  of  Pitt  changed  disaster  into  victory. 
He  gained  the  confidence  of  the  colonies  by  consulting 
their  legislatures  about  the  conduct  of  the  war.  He  prom- 
ised arms  and  ammunition,  tents  and  provisions,  the 
colonies  to  raise,  clothe  and  pay  the  twenty  thousand 
troops  called  into  service  with  promise  of  reimbursement 
by  parliament.  Incompetent  officers  were  replaced  by 
able  officers.  Amherst  captured  Louisburg  and  super- 
ceded Abercrombie,  who  had  lost  two  thousand 
troops  in  a  rash  assault  on  Ticonderoga.  Bradstreet  cap- 
tured Oswego.  Forbes,  aided  by  Washington,  seized 
Fort  Du  Quesne,  and  on  the  13th  of  September  the  great 
contest  was  virtually  won  by  Wolfe's  heroic  capture  of 
Quebec.  Well  might  old  Governor  Dobbs  cause  his 
glorious  Thanksgiving  Hymn  to  be  sung  to  show  our 
gratification  for  such  signal  victories,  which  he  piously 
assures  the  Great  Commoner,  were  in  accordance  with 
the  prophecies  of  the  Book  of  Revelations.  The  French 
power  was  broken  and  in  the  following  year  (1760,) 
which  witnessed  the  death  of  the  old  King  George  II 
and  the  succession  of  his  grandson  George  III,   also  wit- 


nessed  the  final  conquest   of  Canada  and  the    end  of  the 
glorious  dream  of  a  dominating  New  France  in  the  New 
World.     Three  years   later  the  English   flag   waved  over 
all  the  land  from  the  Ocean  to  the  Mississippi. 
I  give  some  verses  of  Governor  Dobbs'  hymn: 

To  God,  our  God's  Almighty  Name, 

Let  Britons  all  their  voices  raise, 
And  publish  by  the  mouth  of  fame 

In  songs  of  joy  our  Saviour's  Praise. 

His  church  from  papal  Thraldom  freed 

And  Gallic  Powers  united  Force 
His  great  vicegerent  he  decreed 

O'er  Briton's  Isle  to  steer  his  course. 

From  Wood  the  British  Lion  roars 
Uprears  the  Christian  sanguine  cross, 

O'er  Eagle,  Beast,  triumphant  soars 
With  Angels  riding  the  white  horse. 

Now  Angels  charged  with  vials  dire 
Of  Gods  Great  Wrath  'gainst  Papal  Beast, 

Are  poured  forth  in  God's  great  Ire 

O'er  Beast,  false  Prophet,  Heathen  Priest 

Let  Angels  then  in  chorus  sing 

With  us  in  Hymns  of  joy  abroad 
Hosanna  to  our  Saviour  King 

Hosanna  to  his  Christ  our  God  ! 

/  Jethro  Sumner  was  an  actor  in  this  great  struggle. 
Bearing  a  letter  of  commendation  from  Governor  Dinwid- 
dle to  Colonel  Washington,  he  was  in  1758  appointed  a 
Lieutenant  in  a  Virginia  regiment  of  which  Wm.  Byrd 
was  Colonel,  General  Joseph  Forbes  being  Commander- 
in-Chief.  Washington  had  been  endeavoring  with  in- 
■sufficient  means,  '  to  defend  the  long  frontier  from  the 
terrible  savages,  whose  destruction  of  property  and 
slaughter  and    torture    of    the    settlers,  old  and    young, 


13 

male  and  Female,  ha-}  been  inconceivably  horrible.  No 
effectual  stoppage  could  be  put  to  their  ravages  without 
the  capture  of  Fort  Du  Quesne.  Forbes  determined  to 
lead  an  expedition  against  it.  Washington  urged  that 
the  old  Braddockroad  should  be  followed.  Interested  spec- 
ulators in  Pennsylvania  persuaded  old  General  Forbes, 
now  in  the  last  stages  of  disease,  to  cut  a  new  road 
through  the  wilderness  of  that  State.  Fifty  days  were 
occupied  in  going  fifty  miles.  Forbes'  second  in  com- 
mand, Col.  Henry  Bouquet,  desirous  of  winning  all  the 
glory,  pushed  forward  Major  Grant  with  about  eight 
hundred  Highlanders  and  a  company  of  Virginians. 
Like  Braddock's,  his  force  was  utterly  defeated.  The 
Virginians  saved  the  detachment  from  annihilation,  as 
they  saved  the  remains  of  Braddock's  forces.  The  win- 
ter was  coming  on.  The  fierce  winds  began  to  blow; 
the  snow  began  to  whiten  the  hills.  The  General  and  his 
council  of  war  talked  of  delaying  the  march  till  spring. 
Washington  begged  to  be  allowed  to  lead  the  van  with 
his  provincials,  who  were  clamoring  for  an  onward  move. 
Through  all  difficulties,  watching  against  ambuscades, 
infusing  his  indomitable  spirit  into  his  men,  he  pressed  on. 
The  French  officer  saw  that  he  had  an  officer  of  brains 
■and  daring  in  his  front,  and,  setting  fire  to  the  wood-work 
•of  the  fort,  he  fled  with  his  troops  down  the  Ohio.  On 
the  25th  of  November,  1758,  Washington  and  his  brave 
troops  marched  into  the  ruined  fortress.  Jethro  Sumner 
was  one  of  those  daring  men,  who  gained  for  the  Anglo- 
Saxon  race  the  control  of  the  Ohio,  and  started  their  on- 
ward march,  which  from  that  day  has  had  no  backward 
•move,  and  ninety  years  later  climbed  the  lofty  Rockies 
and  planted  the  starry  flag  on  the  shores  of  the  Pacific. 
His  were  likewise  among  the  kindly  hands  which,  af- 
ter the  victory  was  gained,  reverently  and  tenderly  gath- 
ered the  bones  of  Braddock's  men,  whitened  by  the  sun, 


>L 


14 

and  amidst  the  solemn  silence  of  the  interminabfe  forest, 
gave  them  christian  burial.  A  great  city,  whose  smoke 
from  a  thousand  factories  overshadow  the  scenes  of  those 
old  fightings,  commemorates  by  its  name  of  Pittsburg 
the  sagacious  and  daring  war  minister  who  prepared  the 
victory. 

Although  Washington,  after  his  great  object  was  yained, 
beingelectedamemberof  the  Assembly,  resigned  his  colo- 
nelcy and  carried  his  lovely  bride  to  enjoy  the  festivities  of 
Williamsburg,  Sumner  remained  in  service  until  his  regi- 
ment was  disbanded  in  1 76 1.  He  was  evidently  an  office* 
of  merit.  An  order  published  in  the  Colonial  Records  of 
our  State,  dated  November  26th,  1760,  from  Colonel 
Bouquet,  his  superior,  shows  that  he  was  intrusted  with 
separate  command  at  Fort  Bedford.  His  regiment 
marched  twice  into  the  Cherokee  country  as  far  as  Hol- 
ston  river,  while  Colonel  Grant  with  an  army  of  twenty- 
six  hundred  men  terribly  avenged  the  massacre  of  the 
garrison  of  Fort  Loudon.  For  their  services  grants  of 
land  were  authorized  to  be  given  to  the  discharged  officers 
and  soldiers  who  had  served  during  the  war — five  thou- 
sand acres  to  field  officers,  three  thousand  to  captains,  two 
thousand  to  sub  altern  and  staff  officers,  two  hundred  to 
non-commissioned  officers,  and  fifty  to  privates.  Sum- 
ner having  reached  the  grade  of  Captain,  was  entitled  to 
three  thousand  acres. 

This  war  prepared  the  way  for  American  Independence. 
It  taught  the  Colonists  their  own  strength.  It  taught 
them  how  to  fight,  and  what  is  of  still  more  importance, 
that  they  could  fight.  When  they  themselves  had  pro- 
tected the  arrogant  British  regulars  from  destruction, 
when  they  had  seen  the  superiority  of  their  own  officers 
to  those  of  the  mother  country,  the  superiority  of  Wash- 
ington, for  example,  over  Braddock,  the  traditional  idea 
of  colonial    inferiority    vanished    forever.     They  learned 


15 

the  value  of  union.  The)'  learned  the  value  of  organiza- 
tion and  discipline.  The  war  was  a  training  school  for 
their  officers — for  Washington  and  Mercer,  Sumner  and 
Montgomery,  Putnam  and  Morgan  and  many  others. 

After  his  return  to  Nansemond  the  young  officer  de- 
termined to  change  his  home.  Probably  his  long  service 
among  the  hills  and  mountains  had  given  him  a  distaste 
to  the  dreary  flatness  of  the  lands  which  adjoin  the  great 
Dismal  Swamp.  Only  an  imaginary  line  separates  our 
State  from  Virginia.  There  has  been  for  two  centuries 
a  steady  movement  of  population  from  the  dearer  lands  of 
the  valley  of  the  James  to  the  cheaper  lands  drained  by  the 
streams  which  flow  into  the  Albemarle  and  the  upper  waters 
of  the  Tar.  The  Sumners,  the  Eatons,  the  Mannings, 
Smiths  of  Scotland  Neck,  the  Ransoms,  the  Armsteads, 
the  Riddicks,  the  Norfieets,  the  Saunderses,  the  Lewises, 
the  Ruffins,  the  Camerons,  the  Battles,  the  Plummers.the 
Bakers,  the  Pughs,  the  Winstons,  the  Winbornes,  the  Hun- 
ters, the  Bridgerses,  the-Thomases,  the  Taylors  and  hun- 
dreds, perhaps  thousands  of  others,  were  all  old  Virginia 
families.  Some  changed  their  homes  because,  being  young- 
er sons,  they  had  no  share  in  the  paternal  lands ;  others,  be- 
cause high  living  or  losses  by  gaming  had  worsted  their  es- 
tates ;  others  to  exchange  few  acres  for  many  equally  fertile, 
or  old  fields  for  virgin  forest,  others  to  escape  by  settlement 
among  the  rolling  hills  of  Bute  and  the  country  west- 
ward the  miasmatic  diseases  of  the  low  country.  But 
for  whatever  cause  they  migrated  they  changed  neither 
their  opinions  nor  their  practices,  nor  their  business 
habits.  They  still  sent  their  produce  to  Virginia  mar- 
kets— Richmond,  Petersburg  or  Norfolk.  Returning 
wagons  brought  back  the  tea  and  coffee  and  sugar  and 
molasses  and  ladies'  finery.  The)'  kept  their  accounts  in 
both  Virginia  and  North  Carolina  currency.  Visits  to  these 
cities  for  shopping  or  pleasure  were  the  siiinmun  bonum  of 


P 


\6 

the  aspirations  of  young"  men  and  maidens.  Those  who 
enjoyed  this  entrancing  felicity  were  considered  as  greater 
travellers,  and  were  regarded  with  more  envy  than  those 
who  now  tell  of  scaling  Alpine  Summits,  or  gazing  at 
the  domes  of  St.  Peter  or  St.  Paul,  or  chaffering  with  the 
shop  girls  of  Paris.  When  I  was  young  I  heard  from  tin 
lips  of  those  who  were  belles  of  Warren  nearly  a  hundred 
years  ago  stories  of  thegayety  of  the  balls  and  the  splen- 
dor of  the  theatres,  and  the  gorgeousness  of  the  dresses 
of  the  Virginia  cities.  What  a  grand  State  we  would 
have  if  James  river  were  our  Northern  boundary?.  How- 
much  wealth  and  how  many  bright  sons  and  daughters 
of  ours  have  been  carried  off  to  enrich  our  neighbors! 

Most  of  these  emigrants  from  Virginia  became  true 
North  Carolinians.  Occasionally  would  be  heard  arro- 
gant boasting  of  Virginia  superiority,  as  from  the  old. 
man,  mentioned  to  me  by  my  mother,  who  answered  all 
who  disputed  with  him,  "  Weren't  I  born  in  James  river, 
and  ough'nt  I  to  know?  "  Hut  most  of  them,  as  Jethro- 
Sumner  did,  devoted  their  affections  and  their  energies  to 
their  adopted  State. 

Captain  Sumner  settled  at  the  court  house  of  the  new 
county  of  Bute  (pronounced  Boot),  named  in  honor  of 
the  first  instructor  and  minister  of  George  III,  who  be- 
came so  odious  that  a  favorite  amusement  among  the 
populace  was  with  groans  of  derision  to  throw  an  old 
jack-boot  into  a  bon-fire  and  dance  around  the  crackling 
effigy.  An  early7  General  Assembly  of  free  North  Caro- 
,  lina  expunged  the  name  of  the  odious  Marquis  from  the 
map  and  substituted  Warren  and  Franklin  as  names  of 
the  new  counties  carved  from  the  old.  The  court  house 
of  Bute  was  a  few  miles  to  the  south  of  the  present 
county  seat  of  Warren.  Here  Jethro  Sumner  set  up  his 
household  gods. 

It  is  a  lovely   country.     A  traveller,  a    captain  in   the 


1/ 

British  army,  J.  F.  D.  Smyth,  who  visited  all  parts  of  the 
country  south  of  the  Potomac  and  Ohio  about  a  year  be- 
fore the  breaking  out  of  the  Revolutionary  war,  says, 
"There  is  an  extreme  valuable  body  of  rich  high  land 
that  extends  five  miles  around  Bute  court  house;  this 
whole  tract  is  strong  and  fertile  in  an  uncommon  degree. 
There  is  scarcely  a  pine  tree  to  be  found  within  that  dis- 
tance, although  the  surrounding  woods  on  every  side  are 
much  mixed  with  them."  Governor  Josiah  Martin,  in  a 
letter  to  Earl  Hillsborough  in  1772,  mentions  having 
passed  through  Granville  and  Bute,  and  is  strong  in  his 
expressions  of  praises  of  their  preeminence  both  in  soil 
and  cultivation  as  well  as  in  the  manners  and  condition 
of  the  inhabitants.  He  was  preparing  to  buy  a  home 
here  when  he  was  driven  from  our  State. 

We  do  not  know  the  exact  date  of  Sumner's  settle- 
ment in  Bute.  It  was  certainly  prior  to  1769.  Mr.  Wm. 
J.  Norwood  has  in  his  possession  an  account  book  kept  with 
all  the  neatness  of  penmanship  and  durability  of  black 
ink  so  remarkable  among  our  ancestors.  It  contains  the 
dealings  of  the  neighbors  with  the  keeper  of  the  tav- 
ern at  Bute  Court  House.  It  shows  among  many  others 
the  account  of  General  Sumner  from  November  1769  to 
November,  1774.  It  effectually  contradicts  the  statement 
of  Captain  Smyth  as  to  his  occupation.  He  says  Sumner 
pursued  the  business  of  tavern-keeper,  and  that  more 
than  one-third  of  the  general  officers  of  the  American 
army  had  the  same  occupation,  and  were  chiefly  indebted 
to  that  circumstance  for  their  rank.  Hegives  as  a  reason 
that  by  this  public  calling  their  principles  became  known, 
and  their  ambitious  views  were  excited  by  the  variety 
of  the  company  they  entertained.  Smyth's  book  shows 
violent  false  prejudices  throughout.  In  his  opinion  Wash- 
ington was  a  very  poor  General,  but  a  most  cunning 
demagogue,  his  moderation  and  disclaimer  of  desire  for 


X 


office  being  only  for  electioneering  purposes.  The  book 
is  valuable  in  many  respects,  but  utterly  unreliable  in  its 
statements  about  the  officers  of  our  army.  It  would  have 
been  no  discredit  to  Sumner  if  he  had  been  the  keeper  of 
the  only  inn  at  the  Court  House,  but  this  account-book 
shows  that  he  was  the  owner  of  it  and  rented  it  to  one 
Elliott  for  ,£36  per  annum.  Smyth  states,  as  we  learn 
from  other  sources,  that  he  had  married  "a  young  woman 
of  good  family,  who  brought  him  a   handsome  fortune." 

Captain  Sumner  was  appointed  sheriff  in  1792.  The 
office  was  a  very  dignified  and  responsible  one.  The  ap- 
pointment was  by  the  Governor  of  one  out  of  three  nom- 
inated by  the  Justices  of  the  county.  I  have  a  copy  of 
his  commission,  signed  by  Gov.  Jo.  Martin  at  Hills- 
borough at  August  Term,  1772.  It  is  a  proof  of  the  high 
character  and  business  habits  of  Sumner,  that  while  there 
had  been  great  uprisings  of  angry  people  in  some  of  the 
counties  almost  adjoining  Bute,  and  loud  complaints  of 
extortion  and  embezzlement  in  those  and  many  others, 
there  were  no  charges  of  such  criminal  conduct  in  Bute. 
There  were  no  Bute  militia  in  Tryon's  army  which  march- 
ed against  the  Regulators  in  1771,  from  which  I  gather 
that  while  they  themselves  were  not  disposed  to  join  the 
insurrection  they  knew  too  well  the  sufferings  of  their 
neighbors  to  be  willing  to  crush  them  by  armed  violence. 

The  account-book  of  Bute  Court  House  tavern  confirms 
my  statement  that  Sumner  and  his  neighbors  retained  the 
habits  and  feelings  of  Eastern  Virginia.  The  New  Light 
and  Great  Revival,  if  they  made  any  impression  on 
'them,  it  was  only  transitory.  We  see  glimpses  of  the  same 
(high-living  and  love  of  fun.  We  see  notices  of  a  Court 
•House  ball,  of  a  "bull-dance,"  the  progenitor  probably 
of  the  modern  "stag,"  of  a  game  of  pitch,  (quoits,  prob- 
ably, of  which  Chief  Justice  Marshall  was  especially 
ondV;  of  games  at  cards,  at    which    one    of  the    players 


19 

"got  broke"  and  borrowed  money  of  the  landlord,  of 
£10  paid  by  Sumner  for  the  erection  of  a  battery,  which 
was  a  wooden  wall  for  playing"  the  good  old  game  of 
"fives  ;"  of  a  barbecue  costing  £6,  ys  and  3d,  given  by- 
William  Park;  and  of  fox-hunts  of  course.  All  these 
were  accompanied  by  drinking  of  liquor  in  some  shape. 
Sometimes  it  is  rum  pure  and  simple,  or  as  we  say 
"straight;"  more  seldom  it  is  brandy,  never  whiskey,  but 
usually  it  is  some  mixture.  The  most  common  is  bumbo, 
composed  of  rum,  water,  sugar  and  nutmeg;  but  we  have 
also  juleps  (spelt  julips)  and  grog  and  flip;  sometimes  we 
see  wine  and  sangaree  and  cider  too  (spelt  cyder).  There 
is  an  entry  which  the  rising  generation  hardly  under- 
stands. After  a  "rousing  frolic"  is  a  charge  for  "broke 
glasses."  This  suggests  the  foolish  custom  of  winding 
up  the  feast  with  some  jolly  toast  and,  after  drinking  it, 
smashing  the  tumblers  against  the  ceiling,  typifying  that 
having  conferred  a  pleasure  so  divine,  they  should  never 
henceforth  be  debased  to  any  ignoble  use. 

And  in  this  account-book  we  detect  William  Person 
(called  Billy  Parsons)  and  Green  Hill,  members  of  the 
General  Assembly,  engaged  in  what  we  consider  a  crime, 
but  was  then  expected  of  all  candidates — that  is,  treating 
at  elections.  They  are  charged  with  their  proportions  of 
"liquors  expended  in  the  court  house  while  voting,  10  shil- 
lings; also  toddy  is  and  3d.     Rum  is  6d.     Toddy  is  2d." 

There  was  a  strange  hallucination  in  regard  to  spirit- 
uous liquors  in  the  "good  old  days."  The  men  of  that 
generation  thought  they  were  drinking  health  and  joy  and 
long  life.  In  truth  they  were  drinking  down  gout  and 
dropsy,  and  liver  disease,  and  kidney-troubles,  and  short 
life.     There  were  few  old  men  of  that  generation. 

General  Sumner  was  like  the  rest — he  kept  the  prevail- 
ing fashion.  Smyth  says  he  was  a  "facetious"  man. 
Doubtless  he  told    good    stories  about  his  experiences  in 


20 

the  arm)-,  and  the  peculiarities  of  the  unlettered  back- 
woodsmen with  whom  as  sheriff  he  had  dealings.  He 
was  "of  person  lusty  and  rather  handsome,"  says  Smyth, 
that  is  he  had  a  strong  body  and  vigorous  health,  and  a 
fine  manly  bearing.  The  cynical  Englishman  of  a  na- 
tion of  grumblers,  chronicles  that  his  dinner  was  excel- 
lent. All  those  colonial  gentlemen  understood  the  art  of 
giving  good  dinners.  The  woods  swarmed  with  fat  tur- 
keys, tame  and  wild.  Pigs  were  always  ready  to  supply 
the  luscious  barbecue.  Steaks  of  venison  or  tender 
beeves,  hot  biscuits  and  glorious  corn-bread,  only  to  be 
found  on  Southern  tables,  savory  ham  and  fresh  fish  from 
the  fish  trap  in  the  creek,  together  with  abundant  vege- 
tables and  the  jams  and  preserves  and  plum  pudding, 
which  his  young  wife  with'  her  snowy  apron  and  her 
stately  courtesy  knew  so  well  how  to  make;  all  these  and 
more  smoked  on  the  table,  while  the  odors  of  nutmeg  and 
mint  floated  in  the  air.  We  can  easily  call  to  our  mind 
the  Jethro  Sumner  of  that  day,  at  the  age  of  forty-two, 
his  long  hair  combed  back  so  as  fully  to  expose  his  rubi- 
cund face,  tied  in  a  cue  behind,  his  countenance  frank 
and  open,  looking  one  straight  in  the  face  with  a  clear, 
bright  eye,  his  body  inclining  to  portliness,  as  became 
the  devourer  of  good  cheer;  vigorous  from  out-door  ex- 
ercise, on  foot  or  on  horse,  in  sport  and  on  business,  hav- 
ing the  air  of  authority  as  became  the  executive  officer 
of  a  county  in  those  monarchial  days  when  official  sta- 
tion inspired  far  more  awe  than  at  present;  as  became  too 
a  man  who  had  learned  the  art  of  command  in  actual 
service  in  an  army  where  officers  and  men  were  widely 
separated  by  social  as  well  as  army  rank;  as  became,  too, 
the  owner  of  a  great  estate  and  many  laborers.  At  the 
dinner-table,  in  the  familiarity  of  social  intercourse  with 
a  young  military  ^officer  of  wealth  and  good  blood,  he 
showed  appreciation  of  a  good  joke,  a  quality  which  has 


21 

not  yet  died  out  in  North  Carolina.  I  think  better  of  him 
for  that.  Capt.  William  Biggs,  an  admirer  of  Chief  Jus- 
tice Merrimon.  and  Col.  Henry  A.  Dowd,  an  admirer  of 
Senator  Vance,  were  once  rather  heatedly  discussing  the 
relative  excellencies  of  their  favorites;  "I  admit,"  said 
Biggs,  "that  Vance  can  tell  a  joke  better  than  Merri- 
mon"—  "Stop  right  there!"  shouted  Dowd,  "I  tell  you  no 
man  but  a  smart  man  can  tell  a  good  joke."  It  is  a  pleas- 
ant picture — these  two — the  Bute  county  sheriff  and  the 
English  officer  exchanging  their  army  anecdotes  over 
their  nuts  and  wine,  or  rather,  I  should  say,  over  their 
hickory  nuts  and  bumbo,  in  the  beautiful  month  of  No- 
vember, 1774,  both  too  polite  to  discuss  the  angry  ques- 
tions which  will  in  three  years  array  them  in  opposite  ar- 
mies at  Germantown,  thirsting  for  each  other's  blood,  the 
host  an  American  colonel,  the  guest  a  British  captain. 
Notwithstanding  Sumner's  desire  to  be  agreeable  to  his 
guest,  Smyth  notices  that  he  was  a  man  "of  violent  prin- 
ciples" in  regard  to  the  pending  quarrel  between  the 
mother  country  and  the  colonies.  Being  a  man  of  ar- 
dent temper  he  embraced  the  cause  of  the  colonists 
with  his  whole  soul.  A  few  words  as  to  the  nature  of 
this  difference. 

The  last  French  and  Indian  war  left  Great  Britain  with 
a  debt  so  enormous  in  the  eyes  of  the  financiers  of  that 
day  that  it  seemed  impossible  to  pay  it,  $700,000,000.  To 
an  Englishman,  the  claim  that  the  colonies  should  help 
to  pay  these  expenses  incurred  partly  for  their  own  ben- 
efit seemed  most  reasonable.  It  seemed  equally  clear  to 
him  that  parliament  should  exercise  the  taxing  power  for 
the  purpose  of  securing  such  payment.  To  Americans 
also  the  first  proposition  was  not  unreasonable,  but  to  the 
second  was  determined  and  angry  dissent.  Planting 
themselves  on  their  rights  as  inheritors  of  the  principles 
of  Magna  Charta  and  other  great  bulwarks  of  liberty,  and 


22 

on  their  special  rights  granted  by  their  charters  the  colo- 
nists said  "  the  British  parliament  can  tax  the  property 
of  the  people  whom  its  members  represent,  but  the  par- 
liament of  each  colony  is  the  only  body  which  can  tax 
the  property  of  its  people."  For  over  one  hundred  and 
fifty  years  they  had  possessed  home  rule  in  regard  to  the 
control  of  their  liberties  and  their  property,  and  this 
home-rule  they  determined  to  retain  in  all  its  integrity, 
or  die.  Kings,  Lords  and  Commons,  the  legislature  of 
Great  Britain  could-  regulate  the  internal  affairs  of  the 
British  Isles.  King,  Council  and  Assembly  only  had 
power  to  regulate  the  internal  affairs  of  each  colony. 
They  had  submitted  to  odious  navigation  laws  passed  by 
the  imperial  parliament,  because  they  affected  their  ex- 
ternal relations,  but  they  had  never  submitted  and  they 
vowed  the)'  never  would  submit  to  the'acts  of  parliament, 
not  elected  by  themselves,  affecting  their  internal  rela- 
tions, for  that  would  be  slavery.  They  were  Englishmen 
and  as  such  loved  the  monarchy.  The  youthful  King 
George  was  for  a  time  popular.  He  and  Charlotte  of 
Mecklenburg  had  homely  virtues  and  kindly  hearts.  Al- 
though our  ancestors  expunged  from  our  maps  the  odious 
names  of  Tryon  and  Bute  they  allowed  the  names  of 
Mecklenburg  and  Charlotte  to  remain.  They  loved  to 
talk  of  "Farmer  George."  They  believed  that  the  hos- 
tile legislature  was  the  work  only  of  the  Lords  and  the 
Commons,  and  hence  they  constantly  and  in  vehement 
terms  even  in  the  early  days  of  the  war  protested  their 
loyalty  to  the  crown  and  confidence  in  the  people  of  Eng- 
land, as  distinguished  from  the  politicians.  They  found 
to  their  cost  that  although  in  his  private  capacity  he  was 
a  man  of  benevolence,  as  sovereign,  the  King's  views  of 
the  royal  perogative  made  him  the  most  lasting  enemy  of 
their  independence,  and  after  blood  began  to  flow  the 
people  seemed  to  sustain  the  parliament. 


No  part  of  the  State  was  more  unanimous  in  resistance 
to  English  aggressiveness  than  the  county  of  which  Sum- 
ner was  sheriff.  "  There  were  no  Tories  in  Bute  "  was  the 
proud  boast.  And  few  families  contributed  as  much  to 
the  common  cause  as  the  descendants  of  William  Sum- 
ner. One  of  his  grandsons,  Luke  Sumner,  repeatedly 
represented  his  county,  Chowan,  in  the  State  Congresses  /" 
before  and  the  State  Senate  during  the  war,  and  was  the 
highly  trusted  chairman  of  the  committee  of  safety  from 
Chowan,  member  of  the  eminent  committee  which  re- 
ported the  constitution  o(  1776,  and  many  other  impor- 
tant committees,  such  as  those  for  the  purchase  and  man- 
ufacture of  arms.  David  Sumner  was  a  member  of  the 
State  Congress  of  August,  1775,  and  of  the  committee  of 
safety  of  Halifax  and  Lieytenant  Colonel  of  Militia. 
James  Sumner  was  Lieutenant  in  a  company  of  Light 
Horse.  Robert  Sumner  was  member  from  Hertford  of  the 
Convention  of  1776  which  formed  the  State  Constitution, 
and  of  the  State  Senate  afterwards,  while  Elizabeth  Sum- 
ner's husband,  Elisha  Battle,  was  representative  from 
Edgecombe  in  the  State  Congress  of  1775,  1776  and  the 
State  Senate  under  the  Constitution. 

But  the  most  eminent  of  all  the  family  was  Jethro  Sum- 
ner, whose  "violent  principles"  were  noticed  by  Smyth.  J 
As  sheriff  it  was  his  duty  to  hold  the  elections,  and  he 
could  not  himself  be  elected  to  the  Convention  of  1774 
and  of  March,  1775,  but  after  the  flight  of  Governor  Mar- 
tin to  the  royal-ship  Cruiser,  we  find  him  member  of  the 
Hillsboro  Congress  of  August,  1775.  This  notable  Pro- 
vincial Congress,  still  holding  to  the  constitutional  notion 
that  the  king  could  do  no  wrong  and  that  consequently 
all  acts  in  his  name  were  the  acts  of  parliament  or  of 
ministers,  all  signed  a  test,  drawn  up  by  a  committee  of 
which  Hooper  was  chairman.  No  man  could  be  a  mem- 
ber without  avowing  in  writing  his  determination  to  resist 


t 


*4 

to  the  utmost  extremity  all  attempts  by  parliament  to  im- 
pose taxes  upon  the  colonies,  or  to  interfere  with  its  local 
concerns,  and  pledging  himself  under  the  sanction  of 
virtue,  honor  and  the  sacred  law  of  liberty  to  support  all 
acts  of  the  Continental  and  Provincial  Congresses,  be- 
cause they  were  freely  represented  in  them.  This  test 
was  afterwards  to  be  signed  generally  by  every  organ- 
ized body  in  the  Province. 

The  Congress  proceeded  with  firmness  and  wisdom  to 
inaugurate  a  provisional  government  and  prepare  for  war. 
The  militia  was  organized,  a  special  force  of  five  hun- 
dred minute  men  for  each  of  six  judicial  districts  was  or- 
dered to  be  raised,  besides  two  regiments  of  five  hun- 
dred each  for  the  continental  army.  Bounties  were  of- 
fered for  the  manufacture  of  articles  most  needed. 

Captain  Sumner  was  chosen  Major  of  the  minute  men 
of  the  Halifax  District.  They  were  in  effect  volunteer 
militia,  with  privilege  of  electing  their  company  commis- 
sioned officers.  A  bounty  of  25  shillings  was  allowed 
privates  to  buy  a  uniform,  to  consist  of  a  hunting-shirt, 
leggings  and  black  garters.  An  allowance  of  ten  shil- 
lings for  a  smooth-bore  musket  and  twenty  shillings  for 
a  rifle  was  made  to  those  furnishing  these  weapons. 
When  in  actual  service  the  colonel  was  paid  14  shillings 
a  day,  major  9  shillings  and  6  pence  and  so  on;  a  private 
is  20d  3f.  The  minute  men  were  to  serve  six  months  and 
were  to  be  drilled  14  days  at  the  beginning  of  their  ser- 
vice and  once  a  fortnight  afterwards.  They  were  to  be 
subject  while  in  service  to  the  laws  of  war.  The  officers 
were  to  out  rank  militia  officers  of  the  same  grade.  Some 
of  these  minute  men  did  excellent  work  in  the  preven- 
tion of  the  rising  of  tories  and  sometimes  in  actual  fight- 
ing. 

Major  Jethro  Sumner  at  once  showed  the  superiority 
natural  to  one  who   had    learned    the    art    of  war    under 


25 

Washington.  Occasion  was  now  had  for  his  services. 
Within  a  few  weeks  after  the  adjournment  of  Congress 
the  following  order  was  issued: 

In  Committee  of  Safety, 

November  28th,  1775,  Halifax. 
Ordered  that  Major  Jethro  Sumner  raise  what  minute 
men  and  volunteers   he  can,  and    follow.  Colonel    Long 
with  the  utmost  dispatch.     By  order. 
A  copy.  Oroon.  Davis,  Clerk. 

Colonel  Long  was  doubtless  Nicholas    Long,    of  Hali-  v^L 

fax,  Colonel  of  Sumner's  batalion.  Three  companies  had 
been  apportioned  to  Halifax  and  two  to  Bute.  Lord 
Dunmore,  the  execrated  Governor  of  Virginia,  was  rav- 
aging the  coast  of  the  Chesapeake  and  threatening  Nor- 
folk. Most  probably  Colonel  Long  had  hurried  to  the 
defence  of  Norfolk,  and  Sumner  followed  with  the  min- 
ute men  of  Bute.  On  the  9th  December,  eleven  days  after 
the  order  of  the  committee  of  safety,  the  minute  men  of  Vir- 
ginia defeated  Fordyce's  grenadiers  in  the  action  at  Great 
Bridge.  Colonel  Howe,  afterwards  General  Howe,  hur- 
ried forward  the  second  regiment  of  Continentals,  and 
took  command  of  them  and  of  the  North  Carolina  min- 
ute men.  He  arrived  two  days  after  the  victory  of  the 
Great  Bridge,  but  he  and  his  troops  so  gallantly  defended 
Norfolk  that  the  baffled  Dunmore  on  the  first  day  of  Jan- 
uary, 1776,  burnt  the  town  and  sailed  away.  Howe  was 
emphatic  in  his  praises  of  the  troops  under  his  command 
and  the  Legislature  of  Virginia  thanked  him  and  his  men 
for  their  efficient  services,  while  the  Provincial  Council 
of  our  State  resolved  "that  he  was  justly  entitled  to  the 
most  honorable  testimony  of  the  approbation  of  the 
Council  for  his  important  services  "  and  thanked  him  and 
all  the  brave  officers  and  soldiers  under  his  command  for 


26 

their  splendid  conduct,  having  acquitted  themselves 
greatly  to  their  honor  and  the  good  of  the  country." 

The  slender  hope  of  accommodating  the  differences  of 
the  two  countries  grew  rapidly  less.  Blood  was  shed  on 
North  Carolina  soil.  The  British  authorities,  with  the 
co-operation  of  Governor  Martin,  formed  a  scheme  to 
bring  upon  the  Province  the  horrors  of  a  civil  strife  with 
the  Tories,  of  insurrection  of  the  slaves  and  Indian  mas- 
sacres on  the  western  frontiers.  They  were  all  checked 
by  the  defeat  of  the  Tories  at  Moore's  Creek  Bridge  and 
by  the  crushing  of  the  Cherokees  by  Rutherford.  The 
Congress  of  4th  April,  1776,  at  Halifax,  looked  the  great 
issue  boldly  in  the  face,  discarded  their  hope  of  friend- 
ship from  the  English  King  or  English  people,  and,  the 
first  of  all  the  colonies,  authorized  its  delegates  in  the 
Continental  Congress  to  vote  for  Independence.  The 
militia  was  ordered  to  consist  of  all  between  16  and  60 
years  of  age.  A  Brigadier-General  for  each  district  was 
elected.  Four  additional  regiments  were  voted  for  the 
American  Continental  arm}-,  and  ,£400,000  or  $1,000,000 
in  bills  of  credit  were  ordered  to  be  issued  for  the  pur- 
pose of  paying  all  expenses.  The  name  of  Provincial 
Council  for  the  supreme  executive  power  was  found  to  be 
inappropriate,  as  the  word  "  Provincial  "  implied  a  recog- 
nition of  dependence  on  Great  Britain.  The  name  Coun- 
cil of  Safety  was  substituted.  Large  executive  and  ju- 
dicial powers  were  given,  care  being  taken,  however, 
that  they  should  not  be  despotic.  Three  vessels  of  war 
were  ordered  to  be  built  and  officers  appointed  for  them. 

So  highly  appreciated  was  the  conduct  of  Major  Sum- 
ner that  at  the  next  meeting  in  April  of  the  Provincial 
Congress  he  was  promoted  to  the  Colonelcy  of  the  3rd 
Regiment  of  the  Continental  troops.  His  field  officers 
were  William  Alston,  Lieutenant-Colonel;  Samuel  Lock- 
hart,  Major.     His  Captains  were    William   Brinkley,  Pin- 


27 

kethman  Eaton,  John  Gray,  William  Barrett,  Jacob  Tur- 
ner, George  Granbury,  James  Cook,  James  Emmett. 
The  other  Colonels  were  Thomas  Park  of  the  4th,  Ed- 
ward Buncombe  of  the  5th,  and  Alexander  Lillington  of 
the  6th.  Owing  to  the  promotion  of  Generals  Moore 
and  Howe  to  be  Brigadier-Generals,  Francis  Nash  soon 
to  be  promoted,  and  Alexander  Martin  were  made  Colo- 
nels of  the  1st  and  2nd  Regiments.  The  enlisting  of 
men  was  voluntary,  and  the  following  instructions  to  re- 
cruiting officers  are  interesting.  They  were  to  accept 
"able-bodied  men  only,  capable  of  marching  well  and  of 
undisputed  loyalty."  Regard  must  be  had  as  much  as 
possible  to  "  moral  character,  particularly  sobriety."  The 
Colonel  was  authorized  to  reject  those  not  fit  for  service. 
No  soldier  under  5  feet  4  inches  high  shall  be  enlisted. 
They  must  be  healthy,  strong-made,  and  well-limbed. 
The  character  of  disqualifying  bodily  infirmities  sounds 
strange  in  our  day.  They  must  be  "  not  deaf  or  subject 
to  fits,  or  ulcers  on  their  legs,  or  ruptures."  The  last 
mentioned  may  have  been  frequent  on  account  of  the 
practice  of  log-rolling  matches,  and  other  violent  exer- 
cises, but  what  caused  the  prevalence  of  ulcers  and  fits  is 
a  mystery.  The  recruit  took  an  oath  to  be  tl  faithful  and 
true  to  the  United  Colonies"  and  to,  "lay  down  his  arms 
peaceably  when  required  so  to  do  by  the  Continental 
Congress;"  that  he  would  serve  the  United  Colonies  to 
the  utmost  of  his  power  in  defence  of  the  just  rights  of 
America  against  all  enemies  whatsoever,"  so  that  the  sol- 
diers were  no  longer  in  any  manner  subject  to  the  orders 
of  North  Carolina.  This  probably  explains  the  jealousy 
of  certain  North  Carolina  officials  toward  them. 

The  amount  of  information  we  have  of  the  early  move- 
ments from  day  to  day  of  these  Continental  troops  is  re- 
markably meagre.  The  statement  of  Hugh  McDonald,  an 
unlettered  private  in  the6th  regiment,  written  athts  dicta- 


tion  years  after  the  war,  printed  in  the  North  Carolina 
University  Magazine,  is  almost  our  sole  authority  for 
much  of  their  history. 

McDonald,  recently  from  Scotland,  who  had  been  with 
his  father  a  Tory,  at  Moore's  Creek  Bridge,  was  taken  as  a 
guide  by  a  party  of  Whigs,  engaged  in  arresting  the  par- 
ticipants of  that  battle.  He  was  offered  the  liberty  of 
returning  to  his  father,  but  being  fearful  of  his  ven- 
geance, enlisted  in  the  6th  regiment  under  Lillington, 
when  "about  the  age  of  fourteen  years."  About  the 
middle  of  July,  1776,  the  recruits  were  carried  to  Wil- 
mington, where  General  Francis  Nash  was  in  charge  of 
the  brigade  of  6  regiments.  Lillington  was  too  old  to  go 
on  parade,  and  Lieutenant-Colonel  Lambe  was  substitu- 
ted. Recruiting  had  been  very  successful  and  the  regi- 
ments were  full.  About  the  middle  of  November  the 
troops  were  marched  north  to  join  Washington,  but  were 
stopped  for  three  weeks  in  Halifax  on  the  land  of  Col. 
Nicholas  Long,  now  Commissary-General  of  this  State. 
They  were  marched  back  to  participate  in  a  campaign 
against  Florida.  They  paused  on  their  journey  near  the 
boundary  line  of  South  Carolina,  about  three  weeks, 
"making  excellent  beds  of  the  long  moss  of  the  trees."  Here 
a  squad  of  men  claimed  that  they  were  enlisted  for  only 
six  months,  and  on  being  refused  their  discharges  de- 
serted. "  Three  of  them  were  colored  people,"  so  it  ap- 
pears that  free  colored  men  helped  to  gain  American  In- 
dependence. From  this  camp  they  marched  to  Charleston, 
and  lay  in  camp  opposite  to  Fort  Sullivan  until  the  mid- 
dle of  March,  living  on  fresh  pork  and  rice  as  their  con- 
stant diet,  the  expedition  to  Florida  being  abandoned. 

The  account  of  McDonald  is  in  the  main  correct, 
without  doubt,  but  is  not  true  as  to  at  least  three  of  the 
Continental  regiments.  It  has  always  been  thought 
that  only  the  first  and    second    regiments   under    Colo- 


'29 

'aiels  Moore  and  Martin,  brigaded  under  Brigadier-General 
Howe,  participated  in  the  brilliant  defence  of  Charleston 
on  the  28th  of  June,  1776,  Charles  Lee  being  General  in 
Chief,  and  that  they  only  of  the  North  Carolina  soldiers 
were  entitled  to  the  splendid  praise  of  General  Lee,  all 
the  more  valuable  because  he  had  been  an  officer  in  the 
English  army,  "their  conduct  is  such  as  does  them  the 
greatest  honor;  no  men  ever  did  and  it  is  impossible  ever 
can  behave  better,"  and  again  in  his  report  to  the  Vir- 
ginia Convention,  "I  know  not  which  corps  I  have  the 
greatest  reason  to  be  pleased  with — Mecklenburg's,  Vir- 
ginia's or  the  North  Carolina  troops;  they  are  both 
equally  alert,  zealous  and  spirited."  But  a  letter  from 
Col.  Jethro  Sumner  to  Lieutenant-Colonel  William 
Alston,  printed  in  the  10th  volume  of  our  Colonial  Re- 
cords p  790,  shows,  I  think,  that  Sumner  and  his  regi- 
ment were  at  the  defence  of  Charleston. 

A  few  days  after  this  victory  at  Charleston  in  July, 
1776,  General  Lee  undertook  an  ill-advised  expedition  to 
attack  St.  Augustine  in  Florida,  taking  with  him,  says 
Moultrie  who  was  second  in  command,  the  Virginia  and 
North  Carolina  troops.  At  Savannah,  after  losing  many 
from  sickness,  he  halted  until  he  was  ordered  North  by 
Congress.  Moultrie  refused  to  continue  the  movement 
unless  properly  furnished  with  material  and  supplies, 
which  Lee  had  totally  neglected  and  which  were  never 
furnished.  The  letter  from  Sumner  to  Alston  dated  Sep- 
tember the  3rd,  shows  that  his  regiment  was  with  this 
ill-starred  expedition  and  of  course  was  with  Lee  at 
Charleston. 

The  letter  places  Sumner  in  the  most  favorable  light. 
He  states  that  General  Lee  had  given  him  leave  to  re- 
turn to  North  Carolina  for  the  purpose  of  providing 
necessaries  for  the  troops  in  view  of  the  coming  winter. 
He  urges  Lieutenant-Colonel   Alston    to   be  particularly 


30 

careful  of  the  discipline  and  to  keep  a  good  understand- 
ing among  the  officers  and  soldiers.  He  wishes  then* 
informed  of  the  cause  of  his  leaving,  that  it  was  to  their 
benefit.  He  says-,  "  You  are  at  ail  times  to  keep  up  a 
strict  discipline,  but  to  reserve  a  mode  of  clemency  as- 
among  young  troops;  now  and  then  to  throw  something 
of  a  promising  hope  among  them  of  a  quick  return  to 
North  Carolina,  which  I  doubt  not  but  sometime  hence 
will  be  the  case.  It  will  engage  the  mind  and  for  a  time 
dispense  with  inconveniences.  Be  careful  in  seeing  no 
fraud  is  done  them  by  the  commissaries-,  and  their  pay 
regularly  to  a  month  delivered  by  their  captains." 

We  see  here  a  kind,  fatherly  and  careful  heart.  Re- 
ceiving his  commission  in  April  his  troops  are  raised  and 
when  first  under  fire  at  Charleston  two  months  after- 
ward behaved  with  conspicuous  gallantry.  We  learn 
from  many  sources  that  they  were  badly  provided  with 
arms  and  clothing.  They  are  marched  by  the  restless,  am- 
bitious, injudicious  Lee  in  the  sickly  season,  through  the 
swamps  of  South  Carolina  to  Savannah.  Finding  iti  impos- 
sible to  go  farther  for  want  of  supplies,  they  are  placed 
in  pestilential  camp  without  any  near  prospect  of  active- 
service.  Their  Colonel,  believing  that  they  will  remain 
in  winter  quarters  here,  gets  leave  to- go  to  their  distant 
homes  in  order  to  obtain  necessaries  for  their  comfort. 
His  heart  yearns  for  them  in  his  absence,  and  he  urges 
the  Lieutenant-Colonel  who  is  to  command  them  to  be 
strict  in  discipline,  but  at  the  same  time  to  remember 
that  they  are  young  troops,  and  need  encouragement  and 
comfort.  He  fears-  that  they  will  become  homesick,  and 
that  they  will  be  cheated  by  the  commissaries.  He  ex- 
horts the  Lieutenant-Colonels  to  keep  up  their  spirits  by 
arousing  hopes  of  early  return  to  their  beloved  State,  and 
to  see  that  they  get  their  rights..  Soldiers  with  such  a 
sympathetic  and  careful  commander  were  sure  to  recip- 


3i 

locate  his  watchfulness  for  them  by  attention  to  duty  in 
camp  and  on  the  battle-field. 

At  the  same  time  that  Colonel  Sumner  went  to 
North  Carolina,  Lee  was  ordered  North  to  join  Wash- 
ington. At  the  urgent  request  of  the  authorities  of 
Georgia  and  South  Carolina,  the  North  Carolina  troops 
remained  for  the  defence  of  those  States  during  the  fall 
and  winter  following  the  Declaration  of  Independence, 
During  this  time  Washington's  army  by  the  expiration  of 
-enlistments  and  the  casualties  of  the  retreat  across  New 
Jersey,  frequent  skirmishes,  including  the  brilliant  victo- 
ries of  Princeton  and  Trenton,  had  been  reduced  to 
7,000  men.  It  became  probable  that  the  next  struggle 
would  be  for  the  possession  of  Philadelphia.  The  North 
Carolina  troops  were  on  the  15th  of  March,  1777,  or- 
dered to  join  his  army.  The  route  was  by  Wilmington, 
Halifax  and  Richmond.  The  story  of  their  brilliant  vic- 
tory over  the  British  fleet  had  preceded  them.  Their 
progress  through  Virginia  was  an  ovation.  They  could, 
says  the  chronicle,  hardly  march  two  miles  without  being 
stopped  by  ladies  and  gentlemen  who  flocked  to  see  them. 
At  Georgetown  those  who  had  not  suffered  from  small- 
pox were  inoculated  with  such  success  that  not  a  man  was 
lost.  They  reached  Washington's  camp  at  Middle-brook 
about  the  last  of  June.  They  were  placed  under  the 
command  of  General  Alexander,  Lord  Sterling. 

They  had  only  a  short  rest.  In  a  few  days,  after  fin- 
ishing their  long  march,  General  Howe,  the  British  com- 
mander, embarked  18,000  men  on  transports,  and  landing 
at  Elkton  marched  towards  Philadelphia.  Although 
Washington  had  only  1 1,000 men,  part  of  them  raw  militia, 
he  concluded  that  it  would  demoralize  the  country  to  give 
up  Philadelphia  without  risking  a  battle.  He  met  the  enemy 
on  the  nth  of  September  at  Brandywine.  Sterling's  di- 
vision, includingNash's  brigade,  was  under  the  command 


of  Sullivan.  They  showed  praiseworthy  courage.  Theflight 
of  Sullivan's  own  division  exposed  the  flank  of  Sterling 
andof  Stephen.  As  Bancroft  says  "These  two  divisions, 
only  half  as  numerous  as  their  assailants,  in  spite  of  the 
unofficer-like  behaviour  of  Stephen,  fought  in  good  ear- 
nest, using  their  artillery  from  a  distance,  their  muskets 
only  while  within  forty  paces."  They  were  forced  to 
yield  to  superior  numbers.  Sullivan  redeemed  his  want 
of  generalship  by  personal  bravery,  and  Lafayette  fought 
by  their  side  as  a  volunteer  and  was  shot  through  the 
lee 

Within  five  days  Washington  was-  ready  for  another 
fight,  but  the  conflict  was  prevented  by  a  furious  rain- 
storm, which  damaged  the  powder  of  both  armies.  On 
the  4th  of  October  he  formed  an  excellent  plan  for  at- 
tacking the  enemy  at  Germantown.  The  brigades  of 
Maxwell  and  Nash  under  Sterling,  formed  the  reserve  in 
the  most  difficult  attack — that  on  the  British  left.  This 
attack  was  successful,  and  if  it  had  been  properly  sup- 
ported by  other  parts  of  the  army  would  have  won  the 
victory.  North  Carolina  lost  some  of  her  ablest  men — 
General  Nash.  Col  Henry  Irvin,  Jacob  Turner,  a  captain 
in  Sumner's  regiment,  and  soon  afterwards  the  noble- 
hearted  Colonel  Edward  Buncombe  who  was  wounded 
and  fell  into  the  hands  of  the  enemy,  died  at  Philadel- 
phia. Although  the  attack  at  Germantown  failed,  the 
spirit  shown,  the  admirable  plan,  the  speedy  recovery 
from  the  disaster  at  Brandywine,  proved  to  the  world 
that  such  troops,  with  a  leader  so  constant  and  wise  and 
energetic,  could  not  be  conquered.  It  convinced  the 
court  of  France  that  an  alliance  with  the  struggling  col- 
onies would  be  safe  and  tend  to  cripple  her  hereditary 
enemy. 

Two  more  regiments  from  North  Carolina  joined  the 
army  during  the  winter  of  1777-yS,  the  8th  under  James 


33 

Armstrong,  Colonel,  and  the  9th  under  John  P.  Williams, 
Colonel,  and  at  least  Armstrong  arrived  in  time  to  partic- 
ipate in  the  battle  of  Germantown. 

The  North  Carolina  brigade  went  through  with  fortitude 
the  heart-rending  sufferings  at  Valley  Forge  in  the  win- 
ter of  I777~'78.  When  the  news  of  the  Alliance  of  the 
United  States  and  'France  and  the  sailing  of  the  French 
fleet  to  America  induced  the  British  commander  to  re- 
treat to  New  York,  giving  up  Philadelphia,  they  as  usual 
did  faithful  service  at  Monmouth  on  the  20th  of  June — a 
victory  which  would  have  been  most  signal  for  the  Amer- 
icans but  for  the  misconduct  of  the  traitor  Gen.  Charles 
Lee.  They  were  posted  on  the  left  of  the  army  and  pre- 
vented the  turning  of  that  flank  by  Cornwallis. 

In  May,  1778,  on  account  of  the  diminished  numbers, 
the  North  Carolina  batallions,  as  they  were  called  after 
joining  Washington's  army,  were  consolidated.  The  6th 
was  put  into  the  1st  under  Col.  Thomas  Clark;  the  4th 
into  the  2nd  under  Col.  John  Patton,  and  the  5th  into  the 
3rd  under  Col.  Jethro  Sumner. 

After  the  battle  of  Monmouth  there  was  little  fighting 
by  Washington's  army  until  the  Yorktown  campaign.  It 
lay  near  Morristown,  in  New  Jersey,  and  to  the  North  of 
that  point,  watching  the  army  of  Clinton  in  New  York. 
Sumner  was  promoted  for  his  faithful  services  to  be  Briga- 
dier-General on  January  9th,  1779.  The  North  Carolina 
regulars,  dwindled  to  only  seven  hundred  men,  were 
ordered  to  the  South  for  defence  of  Georgia  and  South 
Carolina.  General  Howe  had  been  disastrously  defeated 
near  Savannah,  and  Congress  had  superseded  him  with 
General  Lincoln.  General  Sumner  and  his  brigade  had 
the  post  of  honor  in  the  attack  on  the  intrenchments  of 
the  enemy  at  Stone  Ferry  on  June  20thr  1779.  The 
troops  were  ordered  to  trust  to  the  bayonet  only,  but 
meeting  with  a  heavy  fire,  they  could  not   be    restrained 


34 

Irom  returning  it.  They  behaved  with  great  spirit,  but 
as  Moultrie,  who  had  been  charged  with  this  duty,  was 
unable  for  the  want  of  boats  to  prevent  the  arrival  of  re- 
inforcements to  the  British,  Lincoln  withdrew  his  men 
with  small  loss  and  in  good  order.  Soon  after  the  battle 
active  operations  ceased,  on  account  of  the  heated  air  la- 
den with  malaria.  Sumner's  strong  constitution,  which 
had  resisted  the  fierce  cold  of  a  Pennsylvania  winter, 
could  not  save  him  from  the  prevailing  fever.  He  was 
forced  to  ask  leave  of  absence,  expecting  a  speedy  re- 
cover}- in  the  highlands  of  Warren.  His  presence  in 
North  Carolina  was  needed  to  aid  in  forwarding  recruits 
to  his  depleted  brigade.  His  request  was  granted  early 
in  July,  and  he  was  therefore  not  engaged  in  the  disas- 
trous assault  on  Savanaah  by  the  French  and  American 
forces  on  October  9th,  1779. 

In  November,  1779,  Gen.  Sumner  was  again  with 
Lincoln  and  joined  in  the  advice  to  cross  the  Savannah 
into  Georgia,  a  movement  rendered  of  no  avail  by  the 
defeat  of  General  Ashe.  On  account  of  his  great  per- 
sonal influence  in  North  Carolina  he  was  detached  to  raise 
four  new  regiments  of  regulars,  and  so  escaped  being 
captured  at  Charleston. 

A  more  difficult  and  thankless  task  could  not  be  con- 
ceived. He  met  with  no  sympathy  from  the  civil  author- 
ities or  from  the  people.  The  latter  preferred  the  short 
terms  and  less  exacting  discipline  of  the  militia  service; 
the  former  sympathized  with  them  and  gave  little  aid  to 
the  enlistments  in  the  regular  service  until  the  disaster 
of  Camden  and  the  invasion  of  Cornwallis  made  them 
tremble  for  the  fate  of  the  State. 

Baffled  in  the  attempt  to  conquer  the  Middle  States  the 
British  ministry  determined  to  transfer  the  theatre  of  war 
to  the  South.  They  believed  that  the  fears  of  slave  in- 
surrections and  the  presence  of  a  large  Tor}'  element  in 


35 

the  South  would  insure  a  speedy  reduction  of  Georgia  and 
South  Carolina,  North  Carolina  and  Virginia  to  the  au- 
thority of  the  crown.  The  character  of  the  war  was  to 
be  changed.  Those  who  refused  to  return  to  their  alle- 
giance and  to  render  active  aid  to  the  British  cause  were 
to  be  treated  as  traitors.  Terror  of  imprisonment  and 
death,  loss  of  property,  and  insult,  even  outrage,  to 
women  and  children  was  to  be  employed  as  a  potent  ar- 
gument. The  worst  elements  of  society,  the  robbers  and 
murderers,  were  to  be  furnished  with  authority  to 
perform  their  nefarious  calling,  legitimated  by  the  King's 
commission.  All  the  horrors  which  have  attended  civil 
war  in  the  darkest  ages  and  among  the  most  cruel  people 
were  now  to  be  experienced  by  the  Southern  States,  un- 
der the  new  policy  of  Clinton  and  Cornwallis. 

The  policy  seemed  for  awhile  successful.  In  1779  oc- 
curred the  disastrous  failure  to  capture  Savannah.  In 
May,  1780,  Charleston  capitulated,  and  by  the  blundering 
policy  of  General  Lincoln,  2,000  of  our  best  regular  sol- 
diers, the  heroes  of  many  hard-fought  battles,  including 
the  North  Carolina  brigade  under  Gen.  Hogan,  were  lost 
forever.  Georgia  and  South  Carolina  were  overrun,  only  a 
few  small  partizan  bodies  under  Marion  and  Sumter  and 
others,  keeping  alive  the  slumbering  fires  of  existence. 

To  make  matters  worse,  Congress  which  had  already 
inflicted  one  unwise  General  on  the  South,  now  sent 
another  still  worse.  The  defeat  of  Gates  at  Camden  left 
North  Carolina  open  to  invasion,  and  inspired  with  cour- 
age all  the  dispairing  and  disaffected  to  increase  the  ranks 
of  the  Tories.  But  the  pluck  and  endurance  of  the  pa- 
triots paralyzed  for  a  short  while,  were  soon  as  strong  as 
ever. 

General  Sumner  was  one  of  the  most  active  and  effi- 
cient officers  in  the  movement  which  led  to  the  salvation 
of  the  Corolinas.     I  sketch  briefly  his  services,  premising 


v- 


36 

that  Judge  Schenck  has,  with  his  accustomed  ability, 
given  the  same  in  greater  detail  in  his  valuable  book, 
*' North  Carolina  in  i78o-'8i." 

As  said  before  the  North  Carolina  regulars,  except  those 
who  were  absent  on  leave,  were  captured  under  Lincoln  at 
Charleston.  Gen.  Greene  on  account  of  unreliability  of 
short  term  troops  earnestly  desired  the  organization  of 
another  brigade  of  regulars.  He  was  ably  seconded  by 
the  General  Assembly,  whose  determinations  like  that  of 
Senators  of  old  Rome,  rose  higher  as  the  invader  drew 
nigher.  As  the  Roman  Senators  did  in  times  of  extreme 
danger,  they  appointed  a  Dictator — a  Council-Extraor- 
dinary— composed  of  the  Governor  (Nash),  ex-Governor 
Caswell  and  William  Brignol  of  New  Berne,  and  for  fear 
the  Assembly  should  be  prevented  from  meeting,  gave  it 
all  the  powers  vested  in  the  Board  of  War  and  Council  of 
State,  the  powers  of  the  purse  and  of  the  sword,  the 
power  "to  do  and  execute  every  act  and  doing  which  may 
conduce  to  the  security,  defence  and  preservation  of  this 
State." 

A  new  militia  law  was  passed  much  more  stringent  and 
efficient  than  before,  but  even  in  their  great  extremity 
their  dread  of  a  centralized  government  was  emphasized 
by  the  provision  that  officers  of  the  Continental  service 
should  not  be  placed  over  the  militia.  Conscription,  the 
last  resort  of  a  self-governing  people,  was  adopted.  A 
law  to  raise  2,720  men  for  filling  up  the  Continental  ba- 
tallions  was  enacted  and  great  bounties  offered.  The  mi- 
litia was  divided  into  classes  of  fifteen,  and  the  option 
to  volunteer  was  given.  If  there  was  no  volunteer,  one 
from  each  class  was  to  be  drafted.  Each  volunteer  in- 
draft was  to  receive  a  bounty  of  ,£3,000  in  bills  or  non- 
taxable certificates  bearing  six  per  cent,  interest  and  re- 
ceivable for  taxes.  In  addition  to  this  amount  three- 
barrels  of  corn  per  annum  for  the  wife  and  each  child  un- 


37 

•der  ten  years  of  age  were  to  be  given  ever)-  year  while 
the  husband  or  father  continued  in  service.  A  special  tax 
of  three  per  cent,  of  all  the  property  of  each  class  was 
levied  to  pay  these  bounties.  To  volunteers  in  the  Con- 
tinental line  during  the  continuance  of  the  war  were  offer- 
ed ,£2,000  in  cash,  and  at  the  close  of  service  a  prime 
slave  and  640  acres  of  land.  And  finally  all  run-aways 
and  deserters,  all  those  who  harbored  deserters,  all  who 
failed  to  appear  at  the  time  of  drafting,  were  to  be  ipso 
facto  privates  in  the  Continental  army  for  twelve  months. 

Other  strong  measures  were  authorized,  such  as  power 
of  impressment  of  supplies  for  the  army,  the  confiscation  of 
property  of  Tories,  and  a  specific  tax  of  one  peck  of  corn  or 
the  equivalent  in  other  provisions,  for  each  .£100  of  prop- 
erty. This  was  afterwards  increased  to  one  bushel.  These 
were  stern  measures,  and  could  only  have  been  enacted  by 
those  who  valued  freedom  over  property  and  life. 

Prior  to  the  battle  of  Guilford,  March  15th,  178 1,  there 
seems  to  have  been  small  success  in  recruiting.  The 
rapid  movements  and  apparently  the  overwhelming  su- 
periority of  Cornwallis,  the  fears  engendered  by  his  pos- 
session of  Hillsboro  and  the  great  impetus  given  to  the 
Tory  movement,  seemed  to  paralyze  the  people.  Greene 
was  forced  to  replenish  his  small  army  with  militia. 
Seeing  this  state  of  things,  Sumner,  with  the  full  ap- 
proval and  at  the  request  of  Greene,  offered  his  services 
as  commander  of  a  brigade  of  milria.  Greene  had  faith 
in  the  saying  of  the  ancients  that  an  army  of  hares  with 
a  lion  at  the  head  is  superior  to  an  army  of  lions  with  a 
hare  to  command  them.  The  able  patriot,  Willie  Jones, 
General  of  the  Halifax  brigade,  was  willing  to  surrender 
his  place  in  favor  of  the  tried  veteran.  But  General  Cas- 
well refused  the  tender  of  service,  and  Jones  being  inca- 
pacitated by  sickness,  Gen.  Thos.  Eaton,  the  next  in 
command,  insisted  on  leading  the  brigade  to    their    dis- 


3* 

graceful  desertion  at  Guilford  Court  House,  after  having,. 
as  Judge  Schenck  shows,  performed  their  duty  at  the  be- 
ginning of  the  fight.  Once  before  had  Sumner  beer, 
treated  with  scant  courtesy.  When,  after  his  flight  from. 
Camden,  Gates  left  Caswell  at  Charlotte  to  gather  to- 
gether the  fragments  of  militia,  he  thought  best  to 
join  Gates  in  Hillsboro  and  left  Sumner  in  command. 
By  some  influence  the  latter  was  superseded  by 
Smallwood,  not  a  citizen,  and  certainly  not  his  superior 
in  ability.  He  was  in  command,  too,  over  a  brigade  of 
militia  at  Ramocur's  Mills,  on  Deep  River,  Caswell  being 
present,  on  September  5th,  1780.  Why  Caswell  refused 
the  services  of  so  eminent  and  useful,  a  soldier  it  is  impos- 
sible now  to  ascertain.  A  charitable  conjecture  is  that 
he  thought  the  views  of  discipline  held  by  a  Continental 
officer  trained  under  the  exacting  discipline  of  Frederick 
the  Great,  Baron  Steuben,  too  severe  for  militia.  His  ex- 
perience at  Camden  should  have  taught  him  sounder 
military  views.  The  admirers  of  Caswell  may  excuse 
him  on  the  ground  that  the  law  prohibited  the  employ- 
ment of  Continental  officers  over  the  militia,  but  this  de- 
fence is  met  by  the  fact  that  the  Council  Extraordinary  had 
full  power  to  assign  Sumner  to  this  duty  if  in  its  opinion 
the  safety  of  the  State  required  it.  Any  two  of  the  coun- 
cil could  act  and  Governor  Nash,  it  is  known,  was,  in  his: 
favor.  On  Caswell  seems  to  be  the  sole  responsibility  of 
having  idi  charge  of  our  militia,  not  the  proved  veteran- 
Sumner,  nor  John  Baptista  Ashe,  nor  Murfree,  two  other 
Continental  officers  chafing  under  enforced  idleness,  b  u 
Butler  and  Eaton,  good  men,  but  destitute  of  military^ 
experience,  in  whom  the  soldiers  had  little  confidence 
and  of  whom  they  were  not  afraid.  Virginia  made  no 
such  mistake.  The  stern  veteran,  Stevens,  placed  behind 
his  militia  some  of  his  grim, fearless  old  soldiers, with  instruc- 
tions to    shoot  all  retreatiner  without  orders-,  and  hence 


39 

the  extraordinarily  soldier-like  behaviour  of  those  raw 
troops.  Morgan  pursued  similar  tactics  when  he  formed 
his  militia  at  Cowpens,  with  a  deep  river  behind  them. 
They  were  afraid  not  to  fight.  As  an  old  friend  said  to 
me  once,  "Fright  is  the  bravest  of  all  passions." 

Gov.  Alexander  Martin  differed  widely  from  Caswell. 
On  the  1st  day  of  January,  1772,  he  made  an  urgent  re- 
quest to  General  Sumner  for  Continental  officers.  He 
writes,  "With  your  leave,  Major  Hogg  accepts  a  com- 
mand of  Light  Infantry  of  500  men  with  Major  McCree; 
Captain  Tatum  in  command  of  a  troop  of  horse  attached 
to  Major  Hogg.  Captain  Dixon  also  will  command  such 
of  the  State  troops  as  are  now  at  Warren  Court  House 
until  the  corps  can  be  organized  under  Lieutenant  Mar- 
shall. *  *  *  I  flatter  myself  with  the  great  ad- 
vantage this  State  will  derive  from  having  the  honor  of 
Continental  officers  in  its  service  at  this  important  period 
which  may  finally  blast  the  hopes  of  a  despairing  enemy 
and  cause  them  to  fall  an  easy  prey  to  our  arms." 

Denied  the  opportunity  of  lea  ding  the  militia  in  the  pend- 
ing campaign, imitating  his  greatcommander,  Washington, 
who  performed  his  public  duty  with  serene  indifference  to 
misunderstanding  and  jealousy,  in  defiance  of  all  difficul- 
ties and  discouragements,  Sumner  energetically  contin- 
ued his  efforts  to  raise  his  Continental  brigade.  His 
correspondence  with  Colonel  Nicholas  Long.  Major  John 
Armstrong,  Major  Pinketham  Eaton,  Col.  Hal  Dixon, 
and  others,  shows  clearly  the  number  and  weight  of  his 
difficulties,  and  the  extraordinary  efforts  to  overcome 
them. 

By  letter  and  by  personal  visits  he  endeavored  to  spur 
up  the  recruiting  officers  to  the  enlistment  of  volunteers, 
the  militia  colonels  to  the  enforcement  of  the  drafts,  the 
commissaries  and  quarter-masters  to  the  collecting  of 
supplies.     He  urged  La  Fayette  and  Steuben   to   forward 


4o 

arms  from  Virginia.  In  some  directions  his  success  was-- 
flattering;  in  others  the  work  was  impeded  by  the  fear  of 
Tories,  by  the  disloyalty  or  inertness  of  the  drafting  offi- 
cers, by  the  poverty'  of  sections,  which  had  been  harrowed 
by  the  enemy  or  by  domestic  marauders.  Rank  Tories 
often  enlisted,  drew  their  bounties  and  the  same  night  de- 
serted. He  wrote  strong  and  moving  appeals  to  encour- 
age volunteering  or  to  reconcile  the  people  to  drafting- — 
with  no  grace  of  style,  but  with  the  eloquence  of  earnest- 
ness. 

His  efforts  were  only  in  part  successful.  CoL  John 
Armstrong,  in  a  letter  to  Sumner,  gives  graphic  account 
of  the  trials.  He  says:  "The  General  (Greene)  seems 
very  uneasy  about  the  delay  of  the  draft  of  the  Salisbury 
district  and  of  the  desertions  that  frequently  happen  by 
reason  of  the  forced  number  of  Tories  into  the  service,, 
and  as  soon  as  they  receive  the  bounty  they  desert.  I 
have  received  nigh  300  men,  and  will  not  have  above  200 
in  the  field.  I  did  everything  in  my  power  to  bring  out 
the  drafts  of  this  district,  but  all  to  no  purpose.  There  is 
one-half  at  home  yet,  and  remain  without  molestation. 
As  for  clothing,  there  was  little  or  none  sent  fit  for  a 
negro  to  wear,  except  from  Rowan.  I  am  sorry  that  I 
ever  had  anything  to  do  with  such  s-lothful  officers  and 
neglected  soldiers.  There  is  a  number  of  them  now  al- 
most naked,  and  when  cold  weather  sets  in  they  must 
be  discharged,  for  no  officer  would  pretend  to  put  them 
on  duty.  The  neglect  we  havelabored  under  heretofore, 
together  with  the  present,  make  the  service  very  disa- 
greeable to  every  officer  in  camp.  We  are  without 
money,  clothing,  or  any  kind  of  nourishment  for  our  sick; 
not  one  gill  of  rum,  sugar  or  coffee,  no  tents  or  camp  ket- 
tles or  canteens,  no  doctor,  no  medicine;  under  these  cir- 
cumstances we  must  become  very  inefficient." 
V'I  am  afraid  that  in  a  short  time  vou  will  have   but  few 


4i 

officers  in  the  field,  by  reason  of  the  shameful  neglect  of 
the  State.  We  seem  rather  a  burden  than  a  benefit  to 
them;  we  are  tossed  to  and  fro  like  a  ship  in  a  storm." 

At  one  time  Sumner  had  orders  to  join  Baron  Steuben 
in  Virginia.  Armstrong  says,  "I  wish  it  had  been  my 
lot  to  have  gone  with  you  to  Virginia  where  we  would 
have  been    under  your    immediate    care.  I 

am  fully  satisfied  that  you  are  not  acquainted  with  our 
circumstances  here,  or  otherwise  it  would  have  been  re- 
moved." 

The  only  thing  praised  by  Armstrong  is  the  pleasant- 
ness of  the  situation  of  the  camp,  "plenty  of  good  water." 
"  But,"  he  adds,  with  a  groan,  "  It  hath  one  failing — it 
will  not  make  grog."  At  that  day,  spirituous  liquors, 
chiefly  rum,  were  regarded  as  necessaries  more  than  either 
sugar  or  coffee,  classed  with  medicine.  General  Wm.  R. 
Davie,  the  Commissary-General  of  the  State,  on  Novem- 
ber ist,  in  a  letter  to  General  Sumner,  writes:  "I  have 
ordered  some  rum  to  be  put  in  motion  for  the  Southern 
army  for  the  use  of  your  brigade."  "You  are  sensible," 
he  naively  adds,  "that  unless  it  is  sent  in  charge  of  one 
of  your  own  officers,  it  may  lose  much  on  its  journey, 
and  may  not  be  properly  applied  on  its  arrival.  General 
Davie's  views  accord  with  those  of  the  old  Scotch  preach- 
er, "My  brethren!  It  is  said  that  the  test  of  honesty  is 
being  entrusted  with  uncounted  gold.  I  am  proud  to  say 
that  many  of  you  can  stand  that  test.  But  there  is  one 
which  I  fear  none  of  you  can  stand — being  entrusted  with 
unmeasured  whiskey." 

It  will  be  noticed  that  Armstrong  says  that  if  Sumner 
had  known  of  the  sad  condition  of  the  soldiers  a  remedy 
would  have  been  found.  This  is  confirmation  of  what  I 
have  already  mentioned  of  his  tender  care  of  his  troops. 

Although  the  required  number  had  not  been  raised,  yet 
Sumner  was  able  on  the    14th   of  Jul}-.    1 781,  to   march 


42 

from  Salisbury  for  Greene's  camp  in  South  Carolina,  to 
take  command  of  a  thin  brigade  of  one  thousand  men, 
distributed  into  three  batallions,  commanded  by  Colonels 
John  Baptista  Ashe,  John  Armstrong,  and  Reading 
Blount.  Arms  had  been  received  chiefly  from  Virginia, 
some  250  of  the  muskets  being  excellent  weapons,  made  in 
Philadelphia.  The  residue  consisted  of  old  weapons  on 
which  repairs  were  made  after  reaching  camp. 

In  the  pleasant  hills  of  the  Santee  the  raw  soldiers, 
many  of  whom  were  conscripted  because  of  their  deser- 
tion from  their  militia  duties,  were  taught  the  drilling  and 
discipline  of  soldiers.  The  enemy,  under  Stewart,  was 
near  the  confluence  of  the  Wateree  and  Congaree,  each 
army  in  sight  of  the  watch-fires  of  the  other.  Two  large 
rivers  ran  between,  effectually  preventing  surprises,  and 
the  operations  were  confined  to  cutting  off  convoys  and 
foraging  parties,  in  which  the  infantry  was  not  em- 
ployed. 

Greene  was  the  first  to  move.  On  the  22nd  of  August 
he  marched  up  the  Santee,  and  Stewart,  divining  his  in- 
tention to  cross,  fell  back  forty  miles  nearer  his  supplies 
at  Eutaw  Springs,  where  the  battle  occurred.  In  this 
stubborn  conflict,  in  which  both  sides  displayed  the  lofty 
qualities  for  which  the  Anglo-Saxon  race  is  distinguished, 
Sumner  and  his  brigade,  although  the  soldiers  were  new 
levies  with  only  three  months'  training,  and  most  of  them 
h  ad  never  before  been  in  battle,  made  such  a  brilliant  charge 
as  to  win  from  General  Greene  the  strong  commendation, 
"I  was  at  a  loss  which  most  to  admire,  the  gallantry  of 
the  officers  or  the  good  conduct  of  the  men."  And 
again,  "The  North  Carolina  brigade  under  Sumner  were 
ordered  to  support  them,  and  though  not  above  three 
months  men,  behaved  nobly."  Governor  Martin  wrote: 
"  I  congratulate  you  on  the  honor  you  have  gained  at  the 


43 

head  of  the  North  Carolina  army  at  the  Eutaw."  And 
such  was  the  general  verdict.  Captain  Smyth,  the  Brit- 
ish officer  heretofore  mentioned,  speaks  of  Sumner's 
having  "  distinguished  himself  in  the  course  of  the  late 
war,  being  the  General  Sumner  of  the  American  army, 
who  has  been  so  active  in  the  Carolinas." 

Although  the  glory  of  the  conceded  victor}-  was  de- 
nied the  Americans,  the  British  forces  hurried  off  to 
Charleston,  and  Greene,  weakened  by  the  expiration  of  the 
term  of  service  of  so  many  of  his  men,  retired  to  his 
old  camp  among  the  hills  of  the  Santee,  soon  to  rejoice 
over  the  glorious  news  from  Yorktown.  Here  he  waited 
for  recruits  and  watched  the  enemy. 

As  soon  as  the  camp  was  reached,  Sumner  at  Greene's 
request  returned  to  North  Carolina  for  a  second  time  on 
the  thankless  business  of  raisingr  new  forces  and  uro-ino- 
the  supplying  of  his  brigade  with  food  and  clothing. 
Colonel  Armstrong  wrote  on  February  13th,  1782,  from 
camp  at  Colonel  Shivers,  30  miles  from  Charleston: 
"Your  officers  and  soldiers  are  very  naked  and  no  hopes 
of  being  better.  General  Greene  hath  asked 

me  several  times  if  I  had  any  accounts  from  you  and 
likewise  about  some  clothing  he  expected  you  to  send  to 
camp."  "Everything  in  this  State  seems  to 

be  in  our  favor.  The  Assembly  of  this  State  is  now  sit- 
ting at  Jacksonborough,  and  is  determined  to  raise  two 
regiments,  be  the  expense  what  it  will.  They  have  made 
a  present  of  ten  thousand  guineas  to  General  Greene,  to 
be  paid  in  land,  negroes  and  handsel  furniture  of  such 
estate  that  hath  been  confiscated  in  the  present  Assembly. '• 

On  April  7th,  1782,  an  official  report  signed  by  Henry 
Dixon,  Lieutenant-Colonel  of  the  2nd  regiment,  and  at- 
tested by  Major  J.  Burnett,  aid  de  camp  of  Greene,  shows 
that  the  brigade  then  consisted  of  1 1 54  men,  but  that  the 
terms  of  326  would  expire   in    the   same    month,  299    in 


44 

May,  141  in  June,  and  so  on — 1,000  in  all  by  the  1st  of 
January,  1783 — -leaving  only  1  54  for  service.  The  officers 
of  the  South  Carolina  line  and  of  the  legionary  corps  were 
authorized  by  Greene  to  enlist  North  Carolina  Continen- 
tals as  fast  as  discharged.  There  was  universal  apathy. 
The  currency  became  worthless,  and  people  in  defiance  of 
stringent  laws  began  to  refuse  to  accept  it.  Specie  began 
to  make  its  appearance  at  the  North,  but  very  little  found 
its  way  to  our  State.  There  was  no  "provision  made  for 
the  soldiers  when  recruited.  One  officer  writes  that  he 
has  men,  but  no  food;  another  that  he  has  not  a  single 
blanket  to  his  company.  Another  that  his  drafted  men 
have  not  come  in,  and  if  he  obeys  Sumner's  order  to 
march  he  will  go  alone.  Another  says  that  the  men  came 
in  slowly,  and  that  numbers  desert,  "we  are  very  scarce 
of  provisions  and  under  the  necessity  of  impressing  from 
the  inhabitants  who  have  been  greatly  disturbed." 
The  people  will  make  very  little  corn  in  this  (Caswell) 
county." 

It  is  impossible  at  this  late  day  to  trace  with  any  min- 
uteness the  actions  of  General  Sumner  during  the  last 
eighteen  months  of  the  war.  As  no  great  movements  of  the 
armies  were  inaugurated  it  is  probable  that  he  remained  in 
North  Carolina,  prosecuting  his  duty  of  raising  troops. 
In  this,  his  efforts,  as  were  similar  efforts  in  other  States, 
had  little  success.  The  ravages  of  disease  in  the  low 
lands  of  South  Carolina  where  the  operations  were 
carried  on,  had  been  so  great  that  each  recruit  as  he  turned 
his  back  on  North  Carolina  felt  that  he  was  marching  to 
suffering  and  death.  Drafting  was  the  only  remedy,  and 
this  became  so  odious  that  only  one-third  of  those  liable 
in  North  Carolina  were  procured,  while  in  Virginia  and 
South  Carolina  the  authorities  refused  to  adopt  this 
method  of  replenishing  their  armies.  The  country 
seemed  exhausted,  and  the  long  prayed  for  peace  came 
none  too  soon. 


45 

On  the  23rd  of  April,  1783,  furloughs  were  granted  to 
the  North  Carolina  soldiers,  and  they  returned  gladly  to 
their  homes.  In  some  few  places  they  were  received  with 
festivites  and  rejoicings,  but  most  of  them  settled 
quietly  to  the  pursuits  of  peace.  It  should  be  remem- 
bered that  no  North  Carolina  soldiers  were  guilty  of  mu- 
tinous attempts  to  obtain  their  rights  by  force,  as  were 
those  of  various  other  States,  and  that  a  North  Carolinian 
.(Howe)  was  called  by  Washington  to  protect  the  Na- 
tional Legislature  from  the  threats  of  violence  of  mobs. 
Our  officers  and  privates  were  content  to  rely  on  the 
sense  of  justice  of  their  State  government,  and  history 
shows  that  all  was  done  that  could  be  done  by  a  ruined 
people.  Large  grants  of  the  fertile  lands  of  Tennessee 
were  made  them,  including  25,000  acres  to  General 
Greene,  while  General  Sumner's  share  was  12,000  acres. 
A  commission  was  appointed  to  settle  and  pay  the  just 
dues,  which  the  Continental  Congress  had  failed  to  dis- 
charge. 

In  the  closing  years  of  the  war  only  the  energy  gen- 
erated by  fears  of  defeat  and  ruin  had  kept  up  the  people 
to  the  fighting  point.  After  the  capture  of  Cornwallis 
there  was  a  universal  feeling  that  the  war  was  practically 
over.  The  exertions,  which  were  the  fruit  of  terror  and 
dispair,  gave  way  to  supineness  and  lethargy.  The  poor 
soldiers,  far  from  home,  seemed  to  have  been  forgotten. 
In  some  commands  there  were  mutinies  and  threats  to 
enforce  their  rights  at  the  point  of  the  bayonets.  An 
Alexander,  a  Caesar,  a  Napoleon,  might  have  urged  the 
fierce  discontent  of  the  army  for  the  auguration  of  a  mili- 
tary despotism.  The  great  and  good  Washington,  by 
the  union  of  kindly  sympathy  and  occasional  force, 
quieted  these  troubles.  The  brave  soldiers  who  encoun- 
tered all  the  sufferings  which  can  afflict  mankind,  hunger, 
thirst,  nakedness,  disease,  wounds,  separation  from  loved 


46 

ones,  apparent  ingratitude  and  neglect  from  those  fn  cfvil 
authority,  officers  whose  fame  will  never  die,  and  their 
humble  followers,  "unnamed  demigods  of  history,"  hung 
up  their  swords  and  their  muskets  on  the  hire  walls  of 
their  ruined  dwellings,  and  addressed  themselves  man- 
fully to  repairing  their  shattered  fortunes  and  laying  the 
foundation  of  the  Great  Republic  of  the  world.  As  S.  S. 
Prentiss  so  beautifully  said  to  the  returned  soldiers  from 
the  Mexican  war:  "Thus  the  dark  thunder  cloud  at  Na- 
ture's summons  marshals  its  black  batallions  and  hovers. 
in  the  horizon,  but  at  length  its  lightnings  spent,  its  nission 
finished,  its  dread  artillery  silenced,  it  melts  away  into 
the  blue  ether,  and  the-  next  morning  may  be  found  glit- 
rering  in  the  dew  drops  among  the  flowers,  or  assisting 
by  its  kindly  moisture  the  growth  of  the  yo-ung  and  ten- 
der plants.'' 

General  Sumner  was  exempt  from  some  of  the  trials 
suffered  by  his  compatriots.  He  was  a  man  of  large 
possessions.  His  home  was  not  in  the  track  of  the  ar- 
mies and  suffered  no  injury  from  rude  soldiery.  His 
neighbors  were  all  loyal  to  America  and  we  find  no- 
depredations  of  Tories  or  deserters  in  Bute.  His  pru- 
dence kept  him  from  debt.  In  the  midst  of  admiring 
friends,  enjoying  the  satisfaction  of  a  well-earned  repu- 
tation,, he  spent  the  residue  of  his  days  in  the  manage- 
ment of  his  estate,  the- care  of  his  slaves  and  his  blooded 
horses,  the  training  of  his  children  and  the  exercise  of  a. 
generous  hospitality.  His  wife  probably  died  during  the 
war,  as  she  seems  to  have  been  living  in  178'!,  and  was 
not  living  in  1785. 

Only  once  was  he  induced  to  leave  his  privacy.  In 
1784  was-  formed  the  Society  of  the  Cincinnati,  composed 
of  officers  of  the  Continental  army.  Its  name  was  taken 
from  the  personification,  of  Washington  called  like  Cin- 
cinnatus  of  old  from  his  farm  to  the  salvation  of  his  coun- 


47 

try.  It  was  designed  to  perpetuate  the  feelings  of  pa- 
triotism and  brotherly  affection  engendered  by  the  long 
struggle  together  for  Independence,  and  provide  for  the 
indigent  in  their  ranks.  Washington  was  its  President 
General.  General  Sumner  was  President  of  the  North 
Carolina  division  and  presided  over  a  meeting  of  the  del- 
gates  at  Hillsboro  on  April  13th.  As  delegates  to  the 
general  body  he  appointed  Archibald  Lyttle,  Maj.  Read- 
ing Blount  and  Maj.  Griffith  j.  McRee.  As  in  the  original 
incorporation  the  primogeniture  principle  was  contempla- 
ted, fears  entered  the  public  mind  that  the  Society  was 
an  entering  wedge  for  the  introduction  of  an  aristocracy 
■into  our  country.  This  hostility,  coupled  with  the  diffi- 
culty of  communication  in  this  large  but  thinly  settled 
State  gave  it  a  short  life  here.  In  some  of  the  States  it 
still  flourishes,  Hamilton  Fish,  of  New  York,  being  the 
successor  of  Washington  as  President  General.  From  it 
is  derived  the  name  of  one  of  the  most  flourishing  cities 
of  the  West. 

Before  closing,  I  must  give  you  some  details  throwing 
light  upon  General  Sumner  as  a  citizen. 

We  have  the  inventory  of  his   effects,    returned  by  his 
executors.     Including  the  bounty  lands  in  Tennessee,  he 
left  over  20,000  acres  of  land,  besides  town  lots  in   Hali- 
fax, Louisburg  and  Smithfield,  in  Virginia.   He  owned  two 
valuable  farms  in   Warren  county,  one  called  his  "Manor 
Plantation  "  and  the  other  his  "  Bute  Court  House  Plan- 
tation."    On  them  were  thirty-five  slaves,  nearly  all  able 
to  work;  and  seventeen  horses,  some  of  them  racers;  and 
about  240  hogs,    twenty   sheep    and    eighty-six    head    of 
other    cattle.     The  possession    of  this    large  amount    of 
stock,  together  with  150  barrels  of  old  corn  and  a  quan- 
tity of  bacon  and  beef  and  "six   hogsheads  of  prized  to- 
bacco and   about  two   to   prize,"    as  late  as    the    15th    of 
March,   after   the    winter    was    passed,  is    a    pretty  good 


48 

showing  for  his  management.  The  mention  of  a  "quan- 
tity of  quart  bottles,  some  rum,  brandy,  cyder  and  wine,'" 
five  l&rge  China  bowls  and  four  small  ditto,  shows  that  he- 
kept  up  the  convivial  habits  which  distinguished  Warren 
society  for  so  many  years,  while  the  "  one  chamber 
chair  "  suggests  that  the  war-worn  veteran,  after  leaving 
his  active  army  life,  may  have  contracted  by  too 
generous  living  that  affliction  formerly  called  the  aristo- 
cratic disease,  the  gout,  exceedingly  common  in  that  day. 
There  is  an  enumeration  of  large  quantities  of  earthen- 
ware and  china,  silver  and  ivory-handled  knives  and 
forks,  "  two  square  tables,  two  round  tables  and  two  tea 
ditto,"  which  shows  that  he  was  accustomed  to  exercise 
bountiful  hospitality.  As  mementos  of  his  army  expe- 
rience we  find  £2,374,  9s,  6d,  of  army  certificates,  his- 
silver-handled  sword,  bequeathed  to  his  eldest  son,  his 
fire-arms  bequeathed  to  his  second  son,  and  "his  camp- 
beds,  bedsteads  and  furniture,"  which  he  gave  to-  his 
daughter.  The  silver  salver,  silver  spoons,  "  large  and 
small,"  silver-handled  and  ivory-handled  knives,  china- 
ware  and  other  furniture,  gold  watch  and  silver  watch,, 
show  that  he  lived  in  good  style,  while-  his  division  of  his- 
''printed  books"  between  his  two  sons,  in  that  day  when, 
books  were  quite  rare,  indicates  that  he  had  some  taste 
for  literature. 

The  end  was  much  nearer  than-theage-  of  fifty-two  years 
would  seem  to  make-  probable.  The  exposures  of  war 
from  the  bitter  cold  of  Valley  Forge  to  the  fever  swamps 
of  South  Carolina,  whence  deadly  miasma  rises  almost 
like  a  visible  mist,  undermined  his  strong  constitution. 
General  Sumner's  will  is  dated  March  15th,  1785,  and  the 
inventory  returned  by  his  executors  is  dated  March  rcpth,. 
1785,30  that  he  must  have  died  between  these  dates. 

I  regret  that  I  can  ascertain  nothing  satisfactory  about 
General  Sumner's  wife  Snivth  states,  as  I  have  mention- 


49 

ed,  that  she  was  young  at  the  time  of  the  marriage,  of 
good  family  and  of  a  handsome  fortune.  Wheeler  says 
that  she  was  a  widow  H^iss,  of  New  Berne,  but  none  of 
the  old  inhabitants  of  that  town  know  anything  about 
her.  General  Sumner  bequeaths  to  his  daughter  the 
"clothing  and  jewels  of  his  wife,  now  in  possession  of 
Mrs.  Long,  of  Halifax."  Mrs.  Long  of  Halifax,  the 
widow  of  Col.  Nicholas  Long,  the  Commissary-General, 
was  a  notable  lady,  whose  maiden  name  was  McKinnie, 
and,  from  the  fact  that  Mrs.  Sumner's  clothing  and  jew- 
els were  left  with  her,  coupled  with  the  fact  that  one  of 
her  sons  was  named  McKinnie  Hurst,  and  further  that  it 
appears  from  an  act  of  the  General  Assembly,  disentail- 
ing some  lands,  that  the  McKinnies  and  Hursts  were  re- 
lated, the  presumption  is  that  she  was  either  a  McKinnie 
or  a  Hurst,  nearly  related  to  Mrs.  Long.  This  presump- 
tion is  strengthened  by  the  fact  that  one  of  the  devisees 
of  Sumner's  lands,  in  case  of  the  death  of  all  his  chil- 
dren in  their  minority,  was  Nicholas  Long,  Jr.,  a  son  of 
Mrs.  Long. 

General  Sumner  left  three  children,  all  minors.  We 
do  not  know  the  dates  of  his  marriage  or  of  the  birth  of 
any  of  his  children,  except  Jacky  Sullivan,  who  married 
Thomas  Blount,  a  brother  of  Major  Reading  Blount,  one 
of  Sumner's  Colonels.  She  changed  her  name  to  Mary 
Sumner  Blount,  and  died  in  1822.  She  was  born  in  1778 
and  was  probably  the  youngest  child.  The  two  sons 
were  Thomas  Edward  and  Mc Kinney  Hurst.  To  the 
former  doubtless  the  oldest  child,  was  devised  his  Manor 
Plantation.  To  McKinney  Hurst,  the  Bute  Court  House 
Plantation.  In  case  either  should  die  in  their  minority 
the  other  was  to  have  the  whole.  If  all  his  children 
should  die  in  their  minority  his  lands  were  to  go  to  Nich- 
olas Long,  Jr.,  an  1  the  oldest  son  of  Benjamin  McCul- 
lock  and  James  Gray.     His   executors    nominated   were 


50 

Benjamin  McCullock,  John  Baptista  Ashe.  Young  Mc- 
Lemon  and  James  Grey,  but  only  McCullock  and  Grey 
qualified.  The  sons  died  without  issue,  and  so  all  the 
property  finally  vested  in  Mrs.  Jacky  Sullivan  (or  Mary 
Sumner  Blount)  and  was  by  her  scattered  among  sixty 
legatees,  including  the  Episcpal  church  of  Raleigh  and 
friends  who  had  been  kind  to  her.  Her  husband  was  a 
member  of  Congress  of  the  United  States,  and  one  of  the 
commissioners  to  locate  the  Capital  and  also  the  University. 
From  the  foregoing  sketch,  hastily  prepared  from  ma- 
terials scattered  through  scores  of  manuscript  letters  and 
numerous  printed  books,  we  are  able  to  estimate  what 
manner  of  man  Jethro  Sumner  was.  He  was  not  a  ge- 
nius; he  had  little  education  derived  from  books.  But  he 
had  a  generous  nature  and  a  big  heart.  One  of  his  colo- 
nels writes,  "  Dear  General,  you  are  no  stranger  to  our 
sufferings;  we  have  our  eyes  upon  you  as  our  support  in 
our  hour  of  need."  They  did  not  lean  on  a  broken  reed, 
but  on  a  sturdy  oaken  staff.  He  had  a  strong  head  and 
sound  common  sense.  General  Greene  and  Governor 
Nash  and  scores  of  military  leaders  in  the  dark  hours  of 
a  desolated  State,  of  civil  strife,  of  ruined  currency,  of 
despondency  and  of  terror,  asked  the  aid  of  his  sagacity 
and  pluck,  and  asked  not  in  vain.  He  had  a  long  expe- 
rience in  actual  military  service  in  the  field  through  most 
of  the  French  war,  and  from  the  burning  of  Norfolk,  Jan- 
uary 1st,  1776,  until  the  close  in  1783,  in  fierce  battles,  in 
laborious  marches,  in  dreary  encampments,  in  thankless 
recruiting  service,  from  a  Lieutenant  to  a  Brigadier- 
General's  place.  Although  not  brilliant,  he  was  always 
faithful  and  reliable,  performing  his  full  duty  without  fal- 
tering and  without  a  murmur.  In  all  his  letters  we  find 
no  carping  at  superiors,  no  jealousy  of  equals,  no  de- 
spondency or  cowardice  of  heart.  He  was  a  loyal,  brave, 
true,  gallant  soldier.     He  had  no  art  to   push   himself,  or 


V 

publish  IVis  exploits.  He  kept  no  predecessor  of 
the  modern  newspaper  correspondent  in  his  tent  in 
■order  to  puff  hira  into  notoriety.  He  did  his  whole  duty 
and  made  no  boast.  He  left  no  posterity  to  keep  his 
fame  burnished.  The  noble  State  love  of  Judge  Schenck 
has  brought  his  bones  from  their  secluded  resting-place 
in  the  woods  of  Warren  to  this  beautiful  battle  park, 
where  his  monument  can  be  seen  and  his  name  read  by 
•countless  visitors.  He  has  likewise  caused  me  to  ex- 
hume his  military  and  civil  record  from  musty  manu- 
scripts and  notices  scattered  in  many  books,  and  expose  it 
to  the  eyes  of  all  who  take  interest  in  the  deeds  and  suf- 
ferings of  our  forefathers.  I  thank  him  and  his  committee 
for  putting  this  task  upon  me. 

Fellow  Citizens:  I  have  endeavored  to  give  you  a  truth- 
ful account,  not  making  the  subject  of  my  address  a  hero 
impossible  to  be  imitated,  or  an  unapproachable  saint,  but 
•exactly  as  he  was — a  man,  a  gentle-man,  whom  all  should 
know  and  love.  I  hope,  in  view  of  all  his  sacrifices  for 
us  and  our  liberties,  in  view  of  his  kindly  acts  to  our  suf- 
fering ancestors,  you  will  join  me  in  thanks  to  the  giver 
of  all  good,  because  of  His  gift  to  North  Carolina  of 
41  Jethro  Sumner,  one  of  the  Heroes  of  1776."* 

*I'his  is  the  inscription  en  Sumner's  monument. 


Note. — By  a  slip  of  memory  it  is  stated  on  page  34  that  Sumner 
joined  in  the  advice  to  Lincoln  to  cross  the  Savannah  in  Novem- 
ber, instead  of  April,  1779.  Ashe's  defeat  Was  in  No'vomBcr  1779, 
and  of  course  did  not  frustrate  the  movement.  K.   P.    B. 


r.   n .  jh*^-  * 


i»ttTSIIIiai»iII8iii»lgII« 


AN  ADDRESS 

DELIVERED  IN  RALEIGH,  N.  C,  ON    MEMORIAL  DAY 
(MAY  10),  I895. 


!    1 


CONTAINING  A  MEMOIR  OF  THE  LATE 

Major-General  WILLIAM  HENRY  CHASE  WHITING, 

OF  THE  CONFEDERATE  ARMY. 


(AT  THE   REQUEST  OF  THE    LADIES'   MEMORIAL  ASSOCIATION. 


By  C.  B.  DENSON, 

(Of  the  Engineer  Service  of  the  Confederate  States  Army.) 


RALEIGH  : 

Edwards  &  Broughton,  Printers  and  Binders. 

iS95- 


igggggl *««»***** gg^*«*T  Tg**g-g*--'g?-^g---'g--gg-*-gggXggg--gggg-ggrg- 


=^4# 


AN  ADDRESS 

DELIVERED  IN  RALEIGH,  N.  C,  ON   MEMORIAL  DAY 
(MAY  10),  I895. 


CONTAINING  A  MEMOIR  OF  THE  LATE 


Major-General  WILLIAM  HEM  CHASE  WHITING, 

OF  THE  CONFEDERATE  ARMY.  (/%  1  ^    -     1   = 


(AT  THE  REQUEST  OF  THE   LADIES'   MEMORIAL  ASSOCIATION.) 


By  C.  B.  DENSON, 

tOf  the   Engineer  Service  of  the  Confederate  States  Army.) 


RALEIGH  : 

Edwards  &  Broughton,  Printers  and  Binders. 

i  395- 


RESPECTFULLY  DEDICATED 

TO  THE 

SURVIVING  PARTNER  OF  THE  JOYS  AND  SORROWS 

OF  THE 

MATCHLESS  GENIUS,  THE  HEROIC  SOLDIER, 

AND  THE  UNSELFISH  PATRIOT 

TO  WHOSE  MEMORY  THESE  PAGES  ARE 

DEVOTED. 


AN  ADDRESS. 


Ladies  of  the  Memorial  Association,  Comrades  of  the  Con- 
federate States  Army,  Ladies  and  Gentlemen  : 
The  poet  has  said  in  touching  numbers — 

"  Fold  up  the  tattered,  blood-stained  cross, 

By  bleeding  martyrs  blest, 
And  heap  the  laurels  it  has  won, 

Above  its  place  of  rest. 
It  lived  with  Lee,  and  decked  his  brow 

From  Fate's  empyreal  Palm; 
It  sleeps  the  sleep  of  Jackson  now — 

As  spotless  and  as  calm. 

Sleep,  shrouded  ensign!  not  the  breeze 

That  smote  the  victor  tar 
With  death  across  the  heaving  seas 

Of  fiery  Trafalgar, 
Can  bid  thee  pale!  Proud  emblem,  still 

Thy  crimson  glory  shines! 

******* 

Sleep  in  thine  own  historic  night! 

And  be  thy  blazoned  scroll, 
A  warrior's  banner  takes  its  flight 

To  greet  a  warrior's  soul!  " 

Character  is  the  foundation  of  human  greatness.  In  its 
perfection,  it  represents,  in  the  individual,  the  sum  of  the 
activities  of  life;  in  a  national  sense,  it  is  the  development 
in  history  of  the  ruling  spirit  of  a  people,  leading  to  the 
flower  of  achievement — to  the  utmost  limit  of  moral,  physi- 
cal and  intellectual  effort,  in  the  discharge  of  duty. 

The  element  of  character  most  God-like,  is  self-sacrifice. 

According  to  this  standard,  we  are  here  to-day,  thirty 
years  after  the  deep-mouthed  cannon  have  hushed  their 
voices,  to  honor  the  memory  of  the  most  peerless  heroes  in 
the  annals  of  the  world 


He  who  imagines  that  the  statesmen  of  the  South,  above 
all  the  people  of  North  Carolina,  rushed  into  the  tremen- 
dous conflict  of  the  Civil  War  in  thoughtless  pride,  or  mad 
determination  to  preserve  a  single  species  of  property, 
knows  nothing  of  the  true  spirit  that  filled  the  hearts  of 
the  best  of  the  land. 

The  Union  had  been  the  beloved  object  of  Southern 
patriotism.  Alamance  and  Mecklenburg  sounded  to  arms 
for  the  revolutionary  struggle,  Patrick  Henry's  eloquence 
fired  the  torch  of  liberty,  Washington  led  her  hosts,  Madi- 
son drafted  the  Constitution,  Marshall  interpreted  the 
laws — Southren  men  all.  King's  Mountain  and  Guilford 
were  the  precursors  of  the  inevitable  close  of  the  drama 
of  the  revolution  at  Yorktown.  For  seventy  years  and 
more  Southern  genius  dominated  the  country  and  led  it, 
step  by  step,  to  the  pinnacle  of  fame.  Jefferson  and  Jackson 
were  the  great  Executives  of  the  first  half  of  the  ceutury. 
The  second  War  of  Independence,  in  1812,  was  maintained 
chiefly  by  Southern  valor.  Scott  and  Taylor,  as  well  as 
Lee  and  Davis,  in  the  Mexican  war,  were  men  of  the 
South.  Fought  by  an  overwhelming  majority  of  Southern 
men,  that  war,  with  the  purchases  previous  thereto  and 
succeeding,  by  Southern  statesmanship,  had  doubled  the 
area  ruled  by  the  Federal  government,  against  the  repeated 
protest  of  the  North.  The  South  had  given  to  the  general 
government,  of  her  own  accord,  the  princely  territory  of 
the  States  between  the  Tennessee  and  the  Great  Lakes. 
There  was  never  a  conflict  in  behalf  of  the  Union  and  the 
Constitution  of  these  United  States,  in  which  the  men  of 
the  South  did  not  far  outnumber  those  of  any  other  sec- 
tion, and  give  their  precious  lives  in  due  proportion. 

The  world  will  never  know  how  much  it  cost  the  South; 
how  stupendous  was  the  price  that  North  Carolina  paid  to 
defend  the  Constitutional  rights  of  the  States.  Was  there 
no  sorrow  in  contemplating  the  destruction  of  the  fabric 


reared  by  the  efforts  of  Southern  statesmanship  and 
cemented  with  the  blood  of  her  children  ? 

Who,  to-day,  would  have  had  this  old  Commonwealth 
trample  upon  her  traditions — even  from  the  earliest  colonial 
days,  "of  the  freest  of  the  free,"  in  Bancroft's  words — 
and  tamely  submit  to  military  usurpation  from  Washing- 
ton to  send  her  sons  into  the  field,  against  every  dictate  of 
conscience  and  settled  conviction  of  the  sovereign  rights 
of  the  States;  to  send  her  sons,  I  say,  against  their  breth- 
ren of  Virginia  and  South  Carolina — bone  of  their  bone, 
and  flesh  of  their  flesh,  not  only  in  the  claims  of  blood, 
but  in  history  and  sentiment? 

Never  have  the  annals  of  history  known  a  line  of  states- 
men like  those  who  guided  the  fortunes  of  this  country  for 
three-quarters  of  a  century  or  more!  Think  of  the  purity 
of  character  of  Nathaniel  Macon,  of  John  C.  Calhoun,  of 
William  A.  Graham,  of  Jefferson  Davis!  Who  knew  more 
of  the  Constitutional  authority  of  the  State  to  order  her 
citizens  to  stand  in  her  defence  than  such  statesmen  ? 

My  comrades,  when  men  stand  above  the  graves  of  our 
sacred  dead  and  drop  a  flower  there  to  honor  them,  because 
they  died  for  what  they  thought  was  right,  and  bend  their 
heads  before  your  gray  hairs,  in  token  that  your  suffering 
for  long  years  touches  them,  because  you  thought  you  were 
right — there  is  a  vain  and  empty  echo  to  such  words,  kindly 
meant  as  they  may  be. 

For  one,  I  am  here  to  affirm,  before  high  Heaven,  that 
they  ivere  right,  and  that  North  Carolina  would  have  been 
recreant  to  every  principle  of  honor  and  duty  had  she  done 
otherwise.  When  I  see  the  saintly  Bishop-General,  who 
was  born  on  your  own  soil,  leaving  the  pulpit  under  the 
imperative  sense  of  overwhelming  duty  and  sharing  the 
dangers  of  the  field;  at  one  moment  stretching  forth  his 
arms  in  blessing  upon  the  stricken  people,  and  the  next 
moment  torn  apart  by  an  enemy's  shot,  I  feel,  with  the  poet — 


"A  flash  from  the  edge  of  a  hostile  trench, 
A  puff  of  smoke,  a  roar, 
Whose  echo  shall  roll  from  Kennesaw  hills 
To  the  furthermost  Christian  shore, 

Proclaim  to  the  world  that  the  warrior  priest 
Will  battle  for  right  no  more; 
And  that  for  a  cause  which  is  sanctified, 
By  the  blood  of  martys  unknown, 

****** 

He  kneels,  a  meek  ambassador, 

At  the  foot  of  the  Father's  throne." 

When  I  think  of  Stonewall  Jackson,  wounded  unto 
death,  yet  wrestling  in  prayer  with  his  God,  as  he  was 
wont  to  do,  in  the  valley  of  the  Shenandoah,  before  some 
bloody  enterprise  of  the  next  day,  like  the  stern  Covenanters 
of  old,  and  then  committing  his  cause  and  his  fellow-sol- 
diers to  a  Heavenly  care,  "  to  rest  under  the  trees"  this 
day,  thirty-two  years  ago — the  question  recurs,  "Was  he 
not  in  the  right?  " 

When  I  picture  the  matchless  dignity  of  Robert  E.  Lee, 
looking  from  his  charger  in  grave  serenity  upon  a  field 
tumultuous  with  every  form  of  effort  of  horse  and  man, 
and  incarnadined  with  human  gore;  or  recall  him,  as  it  was 
my  fortune  to  see  him,  in  the  peace  and  quiet  of  his  head- 
quarters, and  mark  the  signs  on  his  countenance,  of  the 
God-given  intellect,  and  regal  dignity  of  spirit,  that  after- 
wards refused  fortune  and  honor  abroad  to  share  poverty 
and  labor  with  his  own  at  home,  I  am  forced  to  declare — 
if  such  immortal  spirits  were  wrong,  then  let  me  be  wrong 
with  them  ! 

In  a  memorial  address  twenty-six  years  ago,  the  brave  and 
lamented  Col.  Robert  H.  Cowan  used  this  language,  when 
our  people  were  sitting  amid  the  thickest  gloom  of  their 
great  calamity,  and  patriotic  Wilmington  was  erecting  a 
memorial  to  our  dead.      He  declared: 


"In  the  Pass  of  classic  Thermopylae,  there  is  a  monumental  pillar 
reared  by  the  decree  of  the  Amphictyonic  Council,  to  the  memory  of 
Leonidas  and  his  devoted  three  hundred.  It  bears  an  inscription,  writ- 
ten by  the  poet  of  the  time,  in  a  style  of  true  Lacedemonian  simplicity, 
and  yet  it  is  so  tender  and  touching  in  its  tone,  and  so  lofty  in  its  sen- 
timent, that  it  appears  to  me  to  be  sublime  : 

"  '  Oh  stranger  !  tell  it  to  the  Lacedonians. 

That  we  lie  here  in  obedience  to  their  laws.' 

"  Let  the  stranger,  whoever  he  may  be,  that  visits  this  sacred  spot,  go 
and  proclaim  it  to  all  the  world  that  these  brave  men  lie  here  in  obe- 
dience to  the  laws  of  North  Carolina." 

The  tongue  that  spoke  these  words  has  long  been  silent 
in  the  grave,  but  they  are  forever  true.  The  mother  State, 
conservative  in  all  her  history,  pondered  her  steps  long  and 
well.  What  she  ordered  was  done  in  the  plain  path  of 
duty,  when  all  other  resource  had  departed.  But  that  duty 
once  ascertained,  was  performed  with  a  tenacious  determi- 
nation almost  without  a  parallel. 

In  this  transitory  life,  the  most  precious  things  are  the 
spiritual  forces — the  invisible,  but  immortal,  powers  that 
mold  men's  lives. 

Look  about  you,  in  your  beautiful  Capital  City,  putting 
on  anew  the  garniture  of  spring.  Consider  the  swift  pass- 
ing away  of  the  material  objects  about  us.  A  century  or 
two,  and  where  are  the  most  pretentious  of  our  structures  ? 
Where  are  our  marts,  and  factories,  and  temples  ?  Forms, 
fashions,  institutions  change — the  rich  and  the  poor  ex- 
change places — animated  nature  bows  to  decay  and  passes 
in  turn  to  oblivion! 

But  the  ashes  of  the  noble  dead  remain  in  mother  earth 
and  the  memory  of  their  deeds  hallows  the  soil.  Think  you 
that  the  valor  of  George  B.  Anderson  is  lost,  the  gallantry 
of  L.  O'B.  Branch,  the  calm  and  intrepid  patriotism  of  the 
host  of  lesser  rank  that  lie  beside  them  in  either  of  our 
cities  of  the  dead — Burgwyn,  and  Turner,  and  Shotwell; 
the  Hay  woods,  Manlys,  Rogers,  Engelhard;  the  knightly 


8 


Smedes,  the  great-hearted  Win.  E.  Anderson — ah!  where 
shall  I  pause  in  the  bead-roll  of  heroes;  how  dare  we  not 
include  every  private,  who  bore  his  musket  well,  in  that 
great  brigade  that  lie  in  eternal  bivouac  on  our  eastern 
slopes,  awaiting  the  trump  of  the  resurrection  morn? 

Tried  by  the  standard  of  devotion  to  duty,  and  sublime 
self-sacrifice,  the  men  whom  your  fair  women  delight  to 
honor  were  worthy  of  the  highest  niche  in  the  temple  of 
military  fame — the  brightest  crown,  as  patriot  martyrs. 

They  lie  on  every  battle-field  of  importance  throughout 
the  South.  At  Winchester,  where  the  sacred  ashes  have 
been  gathered  from  many  bloody  contests,  they  exceed  in 
melancholy  array  those  of  any  other  State. 

At  Fredericksburg,  the  dead  and  wounded  of  North 
Carolina  exceeded  those  of  all  other  States  of  the  South 
combined. 

In  the  Seven  Days'  struggle  around  Richmond,  one-half 
of  the  number  of  regiments  in  Lee's  entire  army  were  sons 
of  your  soil. 

Would  you  seek  the  most  magnificent  spectacle  of  undy- 
ing courage  ?  Behold  the  Fifth  North  Carolina  at  Wil- 
liamsburg; see  it  in  the  Fourth  North  Carolina  at  Seven 
Pines;  find  it  in  the  Third  at  Sharpsburg;  watch  it  in  the 
Eighteenth  at  Spottsylvania;  behold  it  in  the  Twentieth  at 
Frazer's  Farm;  see  it  in  the  Twenty-sixth  at  Gettysburg, 
whose  loss  was  the  greatest  recorded  in  history;  glory  in  it 
in  the  Thirty-sixth  North  Carolina,  as  it  envelopes  Fort 
Fisher,  and  the  heroic  Whiting,  with  a  halo  of  imperishable 
fame. 

Yet  how  shall  we  separate  a  gallant  few  from  all  the 
brave  sons  of  Carolina,  in  all  her  serried  battalions  ?  And 
how  shall  a  single  day's  exhibition  of  God-like  self-sur- 
render and  indomitable  daring  represent  to  us  the  daily 
struggle  on  the  picket-line,  the  weary  march,  the  long 
night  watch,  the  agonizing  wound,  the  dreary  imprison- 


ment,  the  slow  starvation,  the  unceasing  anxiety  for  dis- 
tant wife  and  child,  the  sorrow  for  a  broken  and  desolated 
country,  the  unspeakable  pain  of  final  defeat. 

Alas!  for  the  unknown  graves  that  hide  the  broken  hearts 
of  our  comrades,  worn  by  disease,  whom  we  left  behind  at 
every  camp,  in  the  sand-hills  by  the  sea,  or  dotting  the 
grassy  glades  of  mountain  valleys. 

Yet  the  very  boys  emblazoned  immortal  deeds  upon  the 
escutcheon  of  their  State. 

At  Chancellorsville,  the  death  wound  came  to  a  lad  of 
barely  seventeen.  His  musket  dropped;  with  Spartan  for- 
titude he  raised  his  hand  to  the  gushing  wound,  and  fal- 
tered forth  to  his  commander,  "Major,  lam  killed;  tell 
my  father  that  my  feet  were  to  the  enemy!  "  So  fell  Wil- 
son Kerr,  of  North  Carolina. 

At  Petersburg,  in  the  suburb  of  Pocahontas,  lies  the 
last  man  of  the  retreating  army  of  Lee.  The  enemy  were 
rapidly  closing  on  the  rear  guard,  and  he  volunteered  to 
fire  the  bridge  in  the  face  of  certain  death.  He  reached 
its  middle,  applied  the  match,  and  then,  though  torn  by  a 
grape-shot,  that  boy  of  sixteen  walked  back  to  the  bank 
and  yielded  his  precious  life. 

The  enemy,  in  admiration  of  his  valor,  gave  him  a  sol- 
dier's burial  on  the  very  spot — wrapped  in  his  old  gray 
blanket  that  was  slung  about  his  shoulders,  and  the  only 
shroud  over  his  fair  features  from  the  enveloping  clay  was 
the  apron  of  a  solitary  woman,  brave  enough  to  venture 
there  to  weep  over  him. 

So  died  Cummings  Mebane,  of  North  Carolina. 

"  His  country  was  the  lady  of  his  dreams, 
Her  cross  his  knightly  sign — 
He  died!  And  there  he  lies, 
A  stately,  slender  palm, 
Felled  down,  in  tender  blossoming, 
Across  her  grave!  " 


10 


Young  men  of  North  Carolina,  you  who  are  her  hope 
and  pride,  and  who  will  be  her  strong  staff,  when  we  shall 
have  become  but  a  memory,  see  to  it,  I  beseech  you,  that 
such  sublime  virtue,  which  accepts  certain  death  for  the 
safety  of  the  whole,  and  the  good  of  the  State,  be  com- 
memorated in  yonder  capitol  in  glowing  canvass  or  endur- 
ing marble. 

Happy  will  be  that  people,  who,  in  honoring  virtue  and 
commemorating  sublimity  of  human  character,  stamp  the 
image  of  the  ancestor  upon  the  mind  and  heart  of  the 
children! 

All  honor  to  the  noble  women  of  the  Memorial  Associa- 
tion of  Raleigh,  that  they  have  taught  their  lesson,  year 
by  year,  not  only  in  the  silent  but  eloquent  eulogy  of  flow- 
ers; not  only  in  recalling  to  mind  the  heroic  self-sacrifice 
of  the  hosts  in  gray,  in  their  voiceless  camps  of  death;  but 
also  have  decreed  that  heroes  who  have  served  their  coun- 
try in  conspicuous  station,  shall  be  honored  by  the  recital 
of  their  services,  and  a  record  shall  be  forever  kept  in  grate- 
ful remembrance. 

It  is  the  privilege  of  the  speaker  to  recite  briefly  some 
of  the  many  leaves  of  history,  which  cluster  like  chaplets 
of  laurel  around  an  illustrious  soldier,  who  though  not 
born  upon  your  soil,  loved  with  his  whole  heart  your  peo- 
ple and  your  State,  and  gave  his  life  for  them. 

William  Henry  Chase  Whiting,  the  son  of  Levi  and 
Mary  A.  Whiting,  was  born  March  22,  1824,  at  Biloxi, 
Mississippi. 

His  father,  originally  from  Massachusetts,  spent  his  life 
as  an  officer  of  the  U.  S.  Army,  serving  forty  years,  from 
1812  to  1853,  being  at  his  death  Lieutenant  Colonel  of  the 
First  Artillery. 

At  twelve  years  of  age  he  was  ready  for  the  Public  High 
School  of  Boston,  where  he  remained  two  years,  taking  the 
highest  stand,  particularly  in    Latin  and    Greek.     Gifted 


11 


with  extraordinary  quickness  of  perception,  unyielding 
tenacity  and  fidelity  of  memory,  and  great  will-power,  the 
combination  gave  evidence  of  the  rarest  mental  power. 
He  saw  at  a  glance,  yet  comprehended  to  the  utmost  depth. 
At  fourteen,  he  entered  Georgetown  College,  D.  C,  and 
completed  with  ease  the  four  years'  course  in  two  years, 
besides  receiving  his  diploma  with  high  distinction  at  the 
head  of  his  class.  It  was  said  of  his  knowledge  of  Latin, 
that  he  could  converse  in  it  with  fluency. 

Yet  an  entirely  different  class  of  studies  awaited  him 
at  West  Point,  where  he  entered  the  U.  S.  Military 
Academy,  at  seventeen.  Always  at  the  top,  he  took  at 
once  a  high  stand,  maintained  it  throughout  the  coutse, 
and  graduated  after  four  years,  July  i,  1845,  at  the  head  of 
the  class  of  forty  members,  and  with  a  higher  stand  than 
any  officer  of  the  army  had  ever  taken  up  to  that  period. 

Cadet  Whiting  is  described  briefly,  but  vividly,  a  letter 
from  his  room-mate,  Gen.  Fitz  John  Porter,  to  the  speaker: 

"  119  West  47TH  Street,  New  York., 

"April  23,  1895. 
"Capt.  C.  B.  Denson. 

"My  Dear  Sir  :  *  *  *  I  deeply  regret  that  it  is  not  in  my  power 
to  furnish  you  information  which  would  aid  you  in  writing  a  memoir  of 
my  old  friend,  Gen.  W.  H.  C.  Whiting.  It  would  be  a  great  pleasure  to 
me  to  do  it  if  I  could.  Though  he  and  I  were  classmates  and  room- 
mates at  West  Point,  and  necessarily  very  intimate,  after  graduating 
we  met  but  a  very  few  times,  and  then  only  for  a  few  hours.  *  *  * 
Our  spheres  of  duty  widely  separated  us,  and  we  knew  of  each  other 
only  through  an  occasional  letter.  *  *  *  *  As  a  cadet,  Whiting's 
career  was  most  exemplar}'.  Pure  in  all  his  acts;  of  the  strictest  integ- 
rity, ever  kind  and  gentle  'and  open-hearted  to  his  comrades  ;  free  from 
deception  ;  just  in  his  duty  to  his  service  and  Academy,  and  never  but 
kind  and  just  to  his  comrades,  and  the  cadets  under  him.  These  quali- 
ties caused  him  to  be  loved  by  his  companions  and  respected  by  his 
subordinates,  and  honored  and  trusted  by  his  superiors. 

"He  was  of  first-rate  ability,  as  shown  in  his  studies  and  graduation 
at  the  head  of  his  class.  So  long  as  he  was  in  the  army,  he  maintained 
that  reputation,  and  there  was  great  regret  that  he  resigned  to  take  to  a 
different  cause  and  field. 

"  Wishing  you  success  in  your  efforts,  I  am, 

"Yours  truly,  F.  J.  PorTER." 


12 


It  was  no  small  honor  to  be  first  in  a  class  that  held 
Gen.  Charles  P.  Stone  (the  organizer  of  the  army  of  Egvpt, 
after  the  Civil  War),  Gen.  Fitz  John  Porter,  Gen.  Gordon 
Grainger,  Gens.  E.  Kirby  Smith,  Barnard  E.  Bee,  and  the 
like.  It  has  been  generally  conceded  that  no  class  con- 
tained so  many  men  that  afterwards  rose  to  distinction  in 
the  great  War. 

Upon  graduating,  his  position  entitled  him  to  the  honor 
of  an  appointment  to  the  Engineer  Corps,  the  <''littj  of  the 
army.  He  served  as  Second  Lieutenant  until  his  promo- 
tion to  First  Lieutenant,  March  16,  1853,  and  Captain, 
December  13,  1858.  He  tendered  his  resignation  from  the 
United  States  service  February  20,  1861. 

Shortly  after  graduation,  he  was  ordered  to  the  danger- 
ous task  of  laying  out  a  military  road  from  San  Antonio 
to  El  Paso.  It  will  be  remembered  that  Texas  had  just 
been  annexed,  and  the  country  swarmed  with  the  fierce 
Comanche  Indians.  This  was  accomplished  with  a  small 
party,  although  with  many  hair-breadth  escapes  from  the 
rifle  and  scalping  knife. 

He  was  next  at  various  stations  on  the  Gulf  until  1852. 
While  temporarily  in  command  at  Pensacola,  he  won  high 
reputation  among  professional  engineers,  by  successfully 
closing  an  opening  made  by  the  waters  of  the  lagoon, 
breaking  through  to  the  Gulf,  thereby  endangering  the 
Fort  (Pickens)  by  undermining.  This  had  baffled  the 
efforts  of  several  engineers,  who  had  attempted  to  close  it, 
at  great  expense  to  the  government. 

Ordered  next  to  Fort  McHenry,  then  under  the  com- 
mand of  Col.  Robert  E.  Lee,  he  was  transferred  shortly 
after  to  Fort  Point,  California,  at  San  Francisco,  thence  to 
Wilmington,  N.  C,  and  from  that  point  to  Fort  Pulaski, 
Georgia,  and  Fort  Clinch,  Florida.  Upon  her  secession, 
Georgia  made  him  Major  of  Engineers,  and  on  March  29, 
he  received  the  same  rank  in  the  Confederate  Army. 


13 


Then  began  the  long  line  of  services,  in  many  capacities 
and  at  many  points  to  the  Southern  cause,  much  of  which 
was  devoted  to  North  Carolina,  and  the  closing  years  of 
his  career  wholly  so. 

Sent  to  Charleston,  S.  C. ,  to  inspect  the  works  being 
constructed  against  Fort  Sumter,  he  recognized  at  once 
the  faults  of  location  and  construction,  and  reported  the 
danger  to  President  Davis.  He  showed  the  letter  to  Beau- 
regard, and  ordered  him  to  take  charge.  Gen.  Beauregard 
recognizing  the  truth  of  the  situation,  proceeded  to  change 
the  entire  location,  and,  to  use  his  language: 

"  I  determined  to  alter  the  system,  but  gradually,  so  as  not  to  dampen 
the  ardor  or  touch  the  pride  of  the  gallant  and  sensitive  gentlemen  who 
had  left  their  homes,  at  the  call  of  the  State,  to  vindicate  its  honor." 

Gen.  Beauregard,  in  his  report  of  the  capture  of  Fort 
Sumter,  April  12,  1861,  said: 

"The  Engineers,  Majors  Whiting  and  Gywnn,  and  others,  on  whom 
too  much  praise  cannot  be  bestowed  for  their  untiring  zeal,  energy  and 
gallantry,  and  to  whose  labors  is  greatly  due  the  unprecedented  exam- 
ple of  taking  such  an  important  work,  after  thirty-three  hours'  firing, 
without  having  to  report  the  loss  of  a  single  life,  and  but  four  slightly 
wounded. 

"  From  Major  W.  H.  C.  Whiting  I  derived  also  much  assistance,  not 
only  as  an  engineer,  in  selecting  the  sites  and  laying  out  the  channel 
batteries  on  Morris  Island,  but  as  Acting  Assistant  Adjutant  and  In- 
spector General,  in  arranging  and  stationing  the  troops  on  said  Island." 

Major  Whiting  was  made  Adjutant  General  and  brought 
his  great  abilities  into  service  on  Morris  Island,  to  prepare 
for  the  attack  upon  Sumter,  which  was  successful  April 
11,   1861. 

An  Englishman,  and  an  accomplished  critic  of  military 
men  and  measures,  speaks  in  exalted  terms  of  praise  of 
Major  Whiting's  operations  there;  and  long  after,  General 
Gist  writes  of  his  ardent  desire  that  Whiting  should  return 
to  Charleston  in  complete  command. 


14 


Leaving  Charleston  now  for  the  field,  he  remains  in 
North  Carolina  long  enough  to  advise  as  to  the  defences  of 
the  Cape  Fear,  at  the  following  request  of  the  Governor, 
the  lamented  John  W.  Ellis,  who  fell  a  victim  to  disease 
early  in  the  war.      He  writes: 

"  Executive  Department, 

"Raleigh,  N.  C,  April  21,  1861. 
"Wm.  H.  Whiting. 

"Sir  :  You  are  hereby  appointed  Inspector-General  in  charge  of  the 
defences  of  North  Carolina. 

"Your  attention  will  be  particularly  directed  to  Forts  Caswell  and 
Johnston,  and  the  mouth  of  the  Cape  Fear  River,  Beaufort  harbor  and 
Fort  Macon,  Ocracoke  and  the  coast  generally. 

"  Exercise  all  the  powers  necessary  to  the  public  defence  ;  extinguish 
lights,  seize  vessels  belonging  to  the  enemy,  and  do  whatever  may  seem 
necessary. 

"  Given  under  my  hand,  JOHN  W.  ELLIS. 

"  By  the  Governor  : 

"Graham  Daves,  Private  Secretary." 

Seeing  the  forts  in  North  Carolina  in  Confederate  hands, 
he  advised  a  system  of  defence,  especially  of  the  important 
Cape  Fear  region — after  examining  the  condition  of  the 
forts  and  harbors;  but  there  being  no  reason  to  anticipate 
immediate  attack,  he  obeyed  a  call  to  duty  in  Virginia, 
whither  he  repaired  to  report  for  service  to  Gen.  Joseph  E. 
Johnston,  in  command  at  Harper's  Ferry  of  the  Confed- 
erate forces  protecting  the  Shenandoah  Valley. 

With  his  usual  activity,  he  grasped  the  situation  at  Har- 
per's Ferry,  and  we  find  Gen.  Joseph  E.  Johnston  saying, 
in  his  "Narrative  of  the  War,"  page  17: 

"A  careful  examination  of  the  position  and  its  environs,  made  on  the 
25th  May,  with  the  assistance  of  an  engineer  of  great  ability,  Major 
Whiting,  convinced  me  that  it  could  not  be  held  against  equal  num- 
bers, etc." 

In  correspondence,  years  afterwards,  Johnston  refers  to 
this  period  and  to  Whiting's  judicious  aid  upon  his  staff 
with  the  highest  commendation. 


15 


Now  the  first  great  conflict  came  on  at  Bull  Run.  An- 
ticipating the  event,  Whiting  was  entrusted  with  the  charge 
of  arrangements  for  the  moving  of  the  army  at  Harper's 
Ferry,  to  the  aid  of  Beauregard  at  Manassas,  and  had  the 
railroad  authorities  kept  their  repeated  pledges  to  him, 
reinforcements  would  have  reached  the  field  of  Manassas 
in  time  to  have  crushed  McDowell  earlier  in  the  day,  spared 
much  Confederate  blood,  and  possibly  cut  off  the  retreat  of 
the  United  States  forces  to  Washington.  Gen.  Whiting  had 
in  charge  the  blowing  up  of  Harper's  Ferry,  which  General 
Johnston  pronounced  a  "masterly  piece  of  work." 

Whiting  was  with  the  troops  whose  opportune  arrival  at 
Manassas  saved  the  day,  including  the  gallant  Sixth  North 
Carolina,  whose  Colonel  (Fisher)  gave  up  his  life  on  the 
field  of  battle.  His  name  is  immortalized  by  the  fortress 
where  North  Carolinians  withstood  the  greatest  bombard- 
ment that  the  world  has  ever  known. 

In  General  Joseph  E.  Johnston's  official  report  of  the 
battle  of  Manassas,  he  mentions  Whiting  first,  of  all  his 
staff,  and  declares: 

"Major  W.  H.  C.  Whiting,  Chief  Engineer,  was  invaluable  to  me  for 
his  signal  ability  in  his  profession,  and  for  his  indefatigable  activity 
before  and  in  the  battle." 

For  his  brilliant  service  on  the  field,  President  Davis, 
who  was  on  the  ground,  wrote  the  following  order  (which 
I  hold  in  my  hand),  entire  as  to  text  and  signature: 

"Manassas,  Va.,  July  21,  1861. 
"Gen.  J.  E.  Johnston, 

"  C.  S.  Army. 
"  'Sir  :  Major  Sam.  Jones  and  Major  W.  H.  C.  Whiting,  of  the  Army 
of  the  Confederate  States  of  America,  are  assigned  to  duty  with  '  Vol- 
unteers,' with  the  temporary  rank  of  Brigadier  Generals,  and  will  be 
obeyed  and  respected  accordingly.  JEFFERSON  Davis.'  " 

The  permanent  commission  was  dated  by  the  Secretary 
of  War  August  28th,  to  rank  from  the  glorious  21st  July, 
the  day  of  Manassas. 


16 


He  was  ordered  at  first  to  the  command  of  Bee's  brigade, 
their  General  having  been  killed  at  Manassas. 

It  will  be  remembered  that,  after  that  collision,  both  sides 
began  to  realize  the  magnitude  of  the  impending  struggle, 
and  to  raise,  equip  and  discipline  their  armies  with  more 
military  order  and  detail.  And  in  the  South,  preparations 
for  better  defences,  than  the  batteries  hastily  thrown  up, 
were  going  forward. 

General  Whiting  gave  his  best  efforts,  as  a  trained  sol- 
dier, to  the  equipment  and  training  of  the  troops,  while 
his  engineering  skill  was  freely  drawn  upon  for  the  public 
welfare. 

General  Whiting  was  assigned  the  command  of  the 
brigade  of  General  Bee,  killed  at  Manassas.  This  was 
composed  of  the  Sixth  North  Carolina,  Fourth  Alabama, 
Second  and  Eleventh  Mississippi.  Major  J.  S.  Fairly,  now 
Lieut.  Colonel  J.  S.  Fairly,  of  Charleston,  S.  C. ,  who 
served  with  distinguished  ability  on  the  staff  of  Gen.  Whit- 
ing, says,  in  a  letter  to  the  speaker: 

"  With  Bee's  and  the  Texas  Brigade,  under  Gen.  Wigfall,  the  division 
went  into  winter  quarters  near  Dumfries,  Va.,  and  built  heavy  batteries, 
commanding  the  Potomac  River,  sometimes  inflicting  loss  upon  the 
enemy  attempting  its  navigation;  but  his  great  work  and  constant  care 
during  the  whole  winter,  was,  first,  to  have  his  troops  make  themselves 
comfortable  winter  quarters  ;  next,  to  organize  them  for  the  victories 
they  were  to  win,  by  thorough  drill — constant  drill — by  squad,  by  com- 
pany, by  regiment,  by  brigade,  by  division,  or,  as  the  troops  called  the 
last,  'neighborhood  drill;'  thus  accustoming  the  troops  to  act  in  con- 
cert, and  in  the  presence  of  each  other,  so  giving  them  confidence  in 
each  other  and  in  their  officers.  'Little  Billy,' as  the  troops  endear- 
ingly called  him,  was  indefatigable. 

"  With  the  opening  spring,  our  retreat  from  Dumfries,  and  march  from 
Fredericksburg  began,  and  was  accomplished  without  loss,  although 
the  roads  were  indescribably  bad.  We  encamped  near  Fredericksburg 
and  thence  went  to  the  Peninsula  to  await  General  Johnston's  further 
movements." 

When  the  spring  opened,  Johnston  determined  to  evacu- 
ate  Norfolk   and  Yorktown,   and  retire  upon   Richmond, 


17 


there  to  meet  the  enormous  army  gathering  under  General 
McClellan.  The  evacuation  was  skilfully  performed,  and 
the  enemy  checked  in  direct  pursuit  at  Williamsburg, 
largely  by  the  sacrifice  of  the  Fifth  North  Carolina,  under 
McRae,  whose  losses  were  so  frightful  and  bravery  so  heroic 
as  to  win  for  it  the  sobriquet  of  the  "  Bloody  Fifth." 

It  was  next  found  that  the  enemy  had  landed  in  force  at 
West  Point,  and  had  occupied  a  thick  woods  between  the 
New  Kent  road  and  Eltham's  Landing,  threatening  the  col- 
umn on  the  march,  with  a  fatal  attack  upon  its  flank. 
General  Johnston  reports: 

"The  security  of  our  march  required  that  he  should  be  dislodged,  and 
Gen.  G.  W.  Smith  was  entrusted  with  this  service.  He  performed  it 
very  handsomely,  with  Hampton's  and  Hood's  Brigades,  under  Whiting, 
who  drove  the  enemy,  in  about  two  hours,  a  mile  and  a  half  through 
the  woods  to  the  protection  of  their  vessels  of  war.  If  the  statements 
published  in  the  Northern  papers  at  the  time  are  accurate,  their  losses 
were  ten  times  as  great  as  ours." 

So  much  for  prompt  and  timely  action  at  a  critical  mo- 
ment. The  whole  of  Franklin's  superb  division  was 
routed  by  Whiting's  two  small  brigades. 

This  repulse  occurred  May  6th,  and  inspired  the  troops 
anew  with  devoted  confidence  in  their  indomitable  leader. 

In  token  of  this  General  Whiting  was  surprised  at  the 
reception  of  a  letter  from  the  officers  of  the  Fourth  Ala- 
bama, of  his  brigade,  tendering  to  him  a  present  of  a  noble 
charger,  which  on  May  22d  was  formally  presented  at 
dress-parade,  "  as  an  evidence  of  high  esteem  and  appre- 
ciation of  you  as  a  soldier  and  a  gentleman,  by  the  regi- 
ment." 

On  the  last  day  of  the  same  mouth,  occurred  the  famous 
engagement  of  the  Seven  Pines.  It  will  be  remembered 
by  veterans  that  this  bloody  conflict  has  gone  into  history 
as  a  drawn  battle.  The  victory  of  Seven  Pines  for  the 
Confederates  being  followed  by  inaction  at  Fair  Oaks  the 
2 


18 


next  day,  and  the  result  a  check,  but  not  an  overwhelming 
defeat  for  the  U.  S.  troops,  as  it  might  have  been. 

The  testimony  of  the  "Records  of  the  Rebellion,"  in 
which  is  all  the  evidence  of  reports  of  Commanders  through- 
out the  field,  shows  unmistakably  that  the  same  sluggish- 
ness and  want  of  response  to  orders,  which  lost  the  battle 
of  Gettysburg,  by  the  failure  of  Longstreet  to  move  in 
time  to  the  support  of  Pickett  and  Pettigrew,  was  at  fault 
there. 

Gen.  G.  W.  Smith  shows  (Battles  and  Leaders  of  the 
Civil  War,  Vol.  II.,  241)  that  Whiting's  division,  advancing 
at  6  a.  m.,  was  blocked  by  Longstreet's  troops,  and  in  spite 
of  herculean  efforts,  message  after  message  having  gone 
forward,  was  not  permitted  to  advance  until  4  p.  m.  He 
had  been  finally  held  in  reserve  by  General  Johnston,  in 
case  Longstreet  was  in  danger  of  being  overpowered,  and 
who  now  was  supposed  to  be  overwhelmingly  engaged. 
But,  alas,  the  truth  of  history  is,  that  eight  brigades  of 
Longstreet' s  thirteen,  had  not  even  been  engaged. 

Col.  B.  W.  Frobel,  of  the  Engineers,  was  on  Whiting's 
staff,  and  he  writes  (in  1868)  of  one  of  the  rare  mistakes 
made  by  that  great  soldier,  Joseph  E.  Johhston,  as  follows: 

"  '  Generals  Johnston  and  Whiting  were  following  immediately  after 
Whiting's  Brigade.  As  the  brigade  reached  the  road,  near  the  railroad 
crossing,  I  was  sent  to  halt  it.  On  returning,  after  doing  this,  I  joined 
the  Generals,  who  were  riding  toward  the  crossing.  Gen.  Whiting  was 
expostulating  with  Gen.  Johnston  about  taking  the  division  across  the 
railroad — insisting  that  the  enemy  were  then  in  force  on  our  left  flank 
and  rear.  Gen.  Johnston  replied  :  '  Oh,  General  Whiting,  you  are  too 
cautious.'  At  this  time  we  reached  the  crossing,  and  nearly  at  the  same 
moment  the  enemy  opened  an  artillery  fire  from  the  direction  pointed 
out  by  General  Whiting.  We  moved  back  up  the  road  near  the  small 
white  house;  Whiting's  Brigade  was  gone.  It  had  been  ordered  forward 
to  charge  the  batteries  which  were  firing  on  us.' 

"  The  brigade  was  repulsed,  and  in  a  few  minutes  came  streaming  back 
through  the  skirt  of  woods  to  the  left  of  the  Nine-Mile  road  near  the 
crossing.  There  was  only  a  part  of  the  brigade  in  this  charge.  Pender 
(commanding  a  regiment)  soon  rallied  and  reformed  those  on  the  edge 


19 


of  the  woods.  Gen.  Whiting  sent  an  order  to  him  (Pender)  to  recon- 
noitre the  batteries,  and  if  he  thought  they  could  be  taken,  to  try  it 
again.  Before  he  could  do  so,  some  one  galloped  up,  shouting,  'Charge 
that  battery  !  '  The  men  moved  forward  at  double-quick,  but  were  re- 
pulsed, as  before,  and  driven  back  to  the  woods.' 

"Gen.  Whiting  immediately  arranged  for  a  combined  attack  by  the 
brigades  of  Whiting,  Pettigrew  and  Hampton. 

"Alas,  for  the  mistake  in  not  reconoitreing  the  position  first,  before 
crossing  the  railroad,  as  Gen.  Whiting  had  suggested,  and  then  attack- 
ing before  Gen.  Sumner's  Corps  could  reinforce  Couch,  who  was  holding 
the  Federal  line.  For  by  the  time  the  three  brigades  could  be  brought 
into  action,  many,  with  little  or  no  ammunition  left,  unknown  to  the 
Confederates  in  the  thick  woods,  Gen.  Sedgwick's  leading  division,  of 
Sumner's  Corps,  with  Kirby's  Napoleon  guns,  had  arrived,  and  a  new 
and  immensely  superior  enemy  was  encountered  by  the  devoted  band  in 
the  assault.  Sedgwick  says,  on  arriving,  '  We  found  Abercrombie's 
Brigade,  of  Couch's  Division,  sustaining  a  severe  attack  and  hard 
pushed  by  the  enemy.'  " 

Again  and  again  the  Confederates  attacked,  but  to  meet 
bloody  repulse.     General  Smith  says: 

[Battles  and  Leaders  of  the  Civil  War,  Vol.  ii,  p.  247].  "  Believing  that 
Whiting  had,  on  the  right,  as  much  as  he  could  well  attend  to,  I  went 
with  Hatton's  Brigade  to  the  extreme  front  line  of  Hampton  and  Petti- 
grew in  the  woods,  and  soon  learned  that  General  Pettigrew  had  been 
wounded,  it  was  supposed  mortally,  and  was  a  prisoner.  Gen.  Hatton 
was  killed  at  my  side  just  as  his  brigade  reached  the  front  line  of  battle, 
and  in  a  very  few  minutes  Gen.  Hampton  was  severely  wounded.  In 
this  state  of  affairs,  I  sent  word  to  General  Whiting  that  I  would  take 
executive  control  in  that  wood,  which  would  relieve  him  for  the  time  of 
care  for  the  left  of  the  division,  and  enable  him  to  give  his  undivided 
attention  to  the  right. 

"In  the  wood,  the  opposing  lines  were  close  to  each  other,  in  some 
places  not  more  than  twenty-five  or  thirty  yards  apart.  The  firincr  ceased 
at  dark,  when  I  ordered  the  line  to  fall  back  to  the  edge  of  the  field  and 
re-form.  In  the  meantime  Whiting's  Brigade  and  the  right  of  Pettigrew's 
had  been  forced  back  to  the  clump  of  trees  just  north  of  Fair  Oaks  sta- 
tion, where  the  contest  was  kept  up  until  night." 

Longstreet  says,  in  writing  on  June  7th: 

"The  failure  of  complete  success  on  Saturday,  I  attribute  to  the  slow 
movements  of  Gen.  Huger's  command.  *  *  *  I  can't  but  help  think 
that  a  display  of  his  forces  on  the  left  flank  of  the  enemy  would  have 
completed  the  affair,  and  given  Whiting  as  easy  and  pretty  a  game  as 
was  ever  had  upon  a  battle  field." 


20 


In  the  cold  calm  light  of  facts  now  developed,  it  is  not 
difficult  to  see  that  the  slowness  was  on  the  part  of  the 
writer  of  that  report,  who  should,  by  Johnston's  orders, 
have  moved  at  daybreak  on  the  31st,  and  who  failed  to 
move  at  all,  as  ordered  by  General  Smith,  on  the  morning 
of  June  1st. 

Although  not  permitted  to  gather  the  fruits  of  their 
unyielding  courage,  Smith's  division  under  Whiting  pre- 
vented Sumner's  forces  from  reaching  Keyes'  at  Seven 
Pines  (a  matter  of  supreme  importance),  and.  deprived 
Keyes  and  Heintzelman  of  two  brigades  and  a  battery  of 
their  own  troops. 

It  has  been  mentioned  that  during  the  events  narrated, 
Gen.  J.  J.  Pettigrew  was  wounded  very  seriously.  I  can- 
not forbear,  in  this  presence  where  so  many  dear  friends  of 
General  Pettigrew  remain,  to  record  for  future  history  an 
unpublished  letter  from  Pettigrew  to  Whiting,  fraught  with 
the  pure  patriotism  and  exquisite  self-sacrifice  characteristic 
of  both  heroes,  who  sleep  in  death  together  for  the  cause 
they  served. 

I  hardly  need  remind  you,  that  this  (like  his  report)  was 
written  by  an  amanuensis,  and  exhibits  in  its  feeble  signa- 
ture the  exhaustion  of  one  wounded  almost  unto  death. 

"June  4,  1862, 
"  East  Chickahominy— Enemy's  Camp. 
"  My  Dear  General  : 

"  I  am  very  much  ashamed  of  being  in  the  enemy's  hands,  but  with- 
out any  consent  of  my  own.  I  refused  to  allow  myself  to  be  taken  to 
the  rear  after  being  wounded,  because  from  the  amount  of  bleeding,  I 
thought  the  wound  to  be  fatal  ;  it  was  useless  to  take  men  from  the  field 
under  any  circumstances,  for  that  purpose. 

"  As  I  was  in  a  state  of  insensibility,  I  was  picked  up  by  the  first  party 
which  came  along,  which  proved  to  be  the  enemy.  I  hope  you  know, 
General,  that  I  never  would  have  surrendered,  under  any  circumstances, 
to  save  my  own  life,  or  anybody's  else,  and  if  Generals  Smith  or  John- 
ston are  under  a  different  impression,  I  hope  you  will  make  a  statement 
of  the  facts  of  the  case. 


21 


"I  am  extremely  anxious  to  be  exchanged  into  service  again  ;  I  am 
not  fit  for  field  service,  and  will  not  be  for  some  time,  but  I  can  be  of 
service  in  any  stationary  position  with  heavy  artillery. 

"  I  would  be  glad  that  an  immediate  effort  be  made  for  my  exchange 
by  resigning  my  place  as  Brigadier  General  and  accepting  the  place  of 
Junior  Lieutenant  of  artillery.  If  I  am  ordered  to  Fort  Sumter,  I  can 
do  good  duty.  I  do  not  suppose  there  will  be  any  objection  to  make 
this  exchange,  and  I  make  this  proposition  because  we  have  no  Briga- 
dier General  to  exchange,  and  I  suppose  after  I  lay  down  this  rank  there 
will  be  no  disposition  to  hold  me  personally,  beyond  any  other  officer. 

"  I  hope  my  troops  did  well,  although  deprived  of  my  leadership. 

"Very  truly, 
"(Signed.)  J.  J.  Pettigrew." 

"After  some  weeks  of  inaction,"  says  Major  Fairly,  of  Gen.  Whit- 
ing's staff,  writing  to  the  speaker,  "the  march,  ostensibly  to  reinforce 
Jackson  in  the  Valley,  was  taken  up  by  Gen.  Whiting's  Division.  I  was 
afterwards  told  that  it  occurred  in  this  way  :  Early  in  June,  when  all 
was  still  quiet  along  the  lines,  one  day  Gen.  Whiting  rode  over  to  the 
quarters  of  Gen.  Lee,  and  learning  that  he  was  out,  sat  down  at  his  desk 
and  wrote  on  a  slip  of  paper,  'If  you  don't  move,  McClellan  will  dig 
you  out  of  Richmond,'  and  left  it,  asking  Col.  Chilton,  I  think,  to  call 
the  General's  attention  to  it  upon  his  return.  It  was  not  long  before  a 
courier  came  to  Whiting's  headquarters  with  a  note  or  message  asking 
Gen.  W.  to  come  to  army  headquarters.  On  his  arrival,  the  General 
said,  '  General  Whiting,  I  received  your  note  ;  what  do  you  propose  ? ' 
Whiting  then  developed  the  plan  of  appearing  to  reinforce  Jackson's 
victorious  army  in  the  Valley,  thus  threatening  Washington,  and  causing 
stoppage  of  troops  then  about  to  leave  Washington  to  reinforce  McClel- 
lan, and  Jackson,  by  forced  marches,  was  to  fall  on  his  right,  north  of 
the  Chickahominy  River,  and  destroy  him  before  the  powers  at  Wash- 
ington could  discover  the  'ruse  de guerre,''  and  send  him  reinforcements. 

"Gen.  Lee  approved,  but  said,  'Whom  can  I  send?'  Gen.  Whiting 
replied,  'Send  me.'  'Ah,  but  I  can't  spare  you;  you  command  five 
brigades.'  Gen.  Whiting,  with  the  unselfish  patriotism  which  always 
characterised  him,  said,  '  I  will  take  my  two  old  brigades  and  go,'  to 
which  Lee  replied,  '  When  can  you  go? '  'I  am  ready  now,'  said  Whit- 
ing. 'Oh  !  '  said  Gen.  Lee,  'you  can  march  Thursday.'  This  occurred, 
I  think,  on  Tuesday.     And  so  he  did.'  "  *  *         *         *         * 

"  We  lay  at  Staunton  two  days.  The  next  morning  we  began  a  forced 
march  to  meet  Jackson's  corps  at  Brown's  Gap,  where  we  took  the  lead 
and  kept  it.  The  rapidity  of  the  march  may  be  judged  when  I  say,  that 
the  teamsters  were  ordered  to  water  their  horses  before  starting,  and  not 
to  allow  them  to  stop  for  water  until  night,  and  I  was  instructed  to  stay 
by  the  column  and  enforce  the  order.     I  could  but  sympathize  with  the 


22 


teamsters,    but  horses  must  suffer  that  our   men  might  be  fed  on  the 
march,  and  so  kept  up  to  their  work. 

"Our  division  led  the  advance  of  Jackson's  Corps,  and  reached  the 
field  of  Gaines'  Mill,  or  Cold  Harbor,  about  5  o'clock  in  the  afternoon 
of  the  27th  June,  1862,  and,  if  my  memory  serves  me  right,  on  Friday, 
and  none  too  early,  for  I  learned  that  every  division  of  ours  north  of 
the  Chickahominy  had  been  thrown  against  McClellan's  right,  held  by 
Fitz  John  Porter,  and  all  had  failed  ;  and  we  soon  knew  why.  He  had 
twenty  thousand  United  States  regulars  behind  the  strongest  field  forti- 
fications that  I  had  ever  seen,  both  from  construction  and  position." 

The  battle  of  Gaines'  Mill,  one  of  the  most  sanguinary 
conflicts  of  the  Seven  Days'  Battle,  occurred  June  27th, 
and  Gen.  Stonewall  Jackson  thus  reports  of  two  of  the 
brigades  of  General  Whiting's  division  (although  the 
General  was  only  a  Brigadier  in  actual  rank).   Jacksons  says: 

"  Dashing  on  with  unfaltering  step,  in  the  face  of  those  murderous 
discharges  of  canister  and  musketry,  Gen.  Hood  and  Col.  E.  M.  Law, 
at  the  head  of  their  respective  brigades,  rushed  to  the  charge  with  a 
yell.  Moving  down  a  precipitous  ravine,  leaping  ditch  and  stream, 
clambering  up  a  difficult  ascent,  and  exposed  to  an  incessant  and  deadly 
fire  from  the  entrenchments,  these  brave  and  determined  men  pressed 
forward,  driving  the  enemy  from  his  well-selected  and  fortified  position. 
In  this  charge,  in  which  upwards  of  a  thousand  men  fell,  killed  and 
wounded,  before  the  fire  of  the  enemy,  and  in  which  fourteen  pieces  of 
artillery  and  nearly  a  regiment  were  captured,  the  Fourth  Texas,  under 
the  lead  of  Gen.  Hood,  were  the  first  to  pierce  these  strongholds  and 
seizethe  guns." 

The  Sixth  North  Carolina  participated  in  this  famous 
charge.  Gen.  E.  M.  Law,  commanding  one  of  these  brig- 
ades under  Whiting,  describes  the  action  fully  in  the 
"Southern  Bivouac"  (1867).      He  says: 

"By  5  p.  m.,  on  the  27th  June,  the  battle  of  Gaines'  Mill  was  in  full 
progress  all  along  the  lines.  Longstreet's  and  A.  P.  Hill's  men  were 
attacking  in  the  most  determined  manner,  but  were  met  with  a  courage 
as  obstinate  as  their  own,  by  the  Federals  who  held  the  works. 

"  After  each  bloody  repulse,  the  Confederates  only  waited  long  enough 
to  reform  their  shattered  lines,  or  to  bring  up  their  supports,  when  they 
would  again  return  to  the  assault.  Besides  the  terrific  fire  in  front,  a 
battery  of  heavy  guns  on  the  south  side  of  the  Chickahominy  was  in 
full  play  upon  their  right  flank. 


23 


"  There  was  no  opportunity  for  manoeuvering  or  flank  attacks,  as  was 
the  case  with  D.  H.  Hill,  on  our  extreme  left.  The  enemy  was  directly 
in  front,  and  he  could  only  be  reached  in  that  direction.  If  he  could 
not  be  driven  out  before  night  it  would  be  equivalent  to  a  Confederate 
disaster,  and  would  involve  the  failure  of  Gen.  Lee's  whole  plan  for  the 

relief  of  Richmond. 

************* 

"  It  was  a  critical  moment  for  the  Confederates,  as  victory,  which  in- 
volved the  relief  or  loss  of  their  capitol,  hung  wavering  in  the  balance. 
Night  seemed  about  to  close  the  account  against  them,  as  the  sun  was 
now  setting  upon  their  gallant,  but  so  far  fruitless  efforts. 

"While  matters  were  in  this  condition,  Whiting's  division,  after  cross- 
ing, with  much  difficulty,  the  wooded  and  marshy  ground  below  Gaines' 
Mill,  arrived  in  rear  of  that  position  of  the  line  held  by  the  remnants 
of  A.  P.  Hill's  division.  When  Whiting  advanced  to  the  attack,  a  thin 
and  irregular  line  of  General  Hill's  troops  were  keeping  up  the  fight, 
but,  already  badly  cut  up,  could  effect  nothing,  and  were  gradually 
wasting  away  under  the  heavy  fire  from  the  Federal  lines.  From  the 
center  of  the  division  to  the  Chickahominy  Swamp  on  the  right  the 
ground  was  open,  on  the  left  were  thick  woods  ;  the  right  brigade  (Law's) 
advanced  in  the  open  ground,  the  left  (Hood's)  through  the  woods. 

"As  we  moved  forward  to  the  firing,  we  could  see  the  straggling  Con- 
federate line,  lying  behind  a  gentle  ridge  that  ran  across  the  field,  par- 
allel to  the  Federal  position.  We  passed  one  Confederate  battery,  in 
the  edge  of  the  field,  badly  cut  to  pieces  and  silent.  Indeed,  there  was 
no  Confederate  artillery  then  in  action  on  that  part  of  the  field.  The 
Federal  batterries  in  front  were  in  full  play.  The  fringe  of  woods  along 
the  Federal  line  was  shrouded  in  smoke,  and  seemed  fairly  to  vomit 
forth  a  leaden  and  iron  hail. 

"Gen.  Whiting  rode  along  his  line  and  ordered  that  there  should  be 
no  halt  when  we  reached  the  slight  crest  occupied  by  the  few  Confederate 
troops  in  our  front,  but  that  the  charge  should  begin  at  that  point,  in 
double-quick  time,  with  trailing  arms  and  without  firing. 

"  Had  these  orders  not  been  strictly  obeyed  the  assault  would  have 
been  a  failure  ;  no  troops  could  have  stood  long  under  the  withering 
storm  of  lead  and  iron  that  beat  into  their  faces,  as  they  became  fully 
exposed  to  view,  from  the  Federal  lines.  As  it  was,  in  the  very  few 
moments  it  took  them  to  pass  over  the  slope  and  down  the  hill  to 
the  ravine,  a  thousand  men  were  killed  or  wounded.  The  brigade  ad- 
vanced to  the  attack  in  two  lines. 

************* 

"  Passing  over  the  scattering  line  of  Confederates  on  the  ridge  in  front, 
the  whole  division  'broke  into  a  trot '  down  the  slope  toward  the  Fed- 
eral works.     Men  fell  like  leaves  in  an  autumn  wind  ;  the  Federal  artil- 
lery tore  gaps  in  the  ranks  at  every  step  ;  the  ground  in  rear  of  the  ad- 
t 


24 


vancing  column  was  strewn  thickly  with  the  dead  and  wounded.  Not 
a  gun  was  fired  in  reply  :  there  was  no  confusion,  and  not  a  step  faltered 
as  the  two  gray  lines  swept  silently  and  swiftly  on  ;  the  pace  became 
more  rapid  every  moment ;  when  the  men  were  within  thirty  yards  of 
the  ravine,  and  could  see  the  desperate  nature  of  the  work  in  hand,  a 
wild  yell  answered  the  roar  of  Federal  musketry,  and  the)'  rushed  for 
the  works. 

"The  Confederates  were  within  ten  paces  of  them  when  the  Federals 
in  the  front  line  broke,  and  leaving  their  log  breastworks,  swarmed  up 
the  hill  in  their  rear,  carrying  away  their  second  line  with  them  in  their 
rout.  Then  we  had  our  'innings.'  As  the  blue  mass  surged  up  the  hill 
in  our  front,  the  Confederate  fire  was  poured  into  it  with  terrible  effect. 
The  target  was  a  large  one,  the  range  short,  and  scarcely  a  shot  fired 
into  that  living  mass  could  fail  of  its  errand.  The  debt  of  blood,  con- 
tracted but  a  few  moments  before,  was  paid  with  interest. 

"Firing  as  they  advanced,  the  Confederates  leaped  into  the  ravine, 
climbed  out  on  the  other  side,  and  over  the  lines  of  breastworks,  reach- 
ing the  crest  of  the  hill  beyond  with  such  rapidity,  as  to  capture  all  of 
the  Federal  artillery  (fourteen  pieces)  at  that  point. 

"  We  had  now  reached  the  high  plateau  in  rear  of  the  centre  of  Gen. 
Porter's  position,  his  line  having  been  completely  cut  in  two,  and  thus 
rendered  no  longer  tenable.  From  the  flanks  where  Whiting's  Division 
had  burst  through,  the  Federal  lines  gave  way  in  both  directions. 

"  R.  H.  Anderson's  brigade,  till  then  in  reserve,  passed  through  on 
the  right,  and  led  the  way  for  Longstreet's  Division,  while  on  the  left 
the  roll  of  musketry  receded  towards  the  Chickahominy,  and  the  cheer- 
ing of  the  victorious  Confederates  announced  that  Jackson,  Ewell  and 
D.  H.  Hill  were  sweeping  that  part  of  the  field. 

"The  battle  was  won,  and  the  Federal  infantry  was  in  full  flight 
towards  the  swamps  of  the  Chickahominy." — Battles  and  Leaders  of  the 
Civil  War,  p.  j6j. 

General  Whiting  should  have  been  promoted  as  Major 
General  immediately  after  the  Seven  Days'  Battles,  but 
unaccountably  it  was  delayed  until  the  next  year.  With 
a  sense  of  injustice  at  the  reduction  of  his  command  to  a 
brigade  thereafter,  he  wrote  to  General  Lee,  and  transmit- 
ted certain  important  papers.  The  following  is  the  answer 
of  General  Lee  (from  an  unpublished  letter).     I  read: 

August  9th,  1862. 
My  Dear  General:  I  have  received  your  note  of  the  4th;  have  read 
the  enclosures  with  interest.    I  return  them  at  your  request.     But  forget 


25 


them,  General;  do  not  let  us  recollect  unpleasant  things:  life  is  very 
short.  We  have  so  much  to  do.  We  can  do  so  much  good,  too,  if  we 
are  not  turned  aside.  Everything  will  come  right  in  the  end.  *  *  * 
There  is  not  much  science  or  strategy  required  in  our  present  contest. 
Do  not  let  that  disturb  you.  *  *  *  I  am  glad  to  hear  you  are  doing 
well.  *  *  *  G.  W.  Smith  has  returned  to  duty,  and  I  learn  General 
Johnston  is  progressing  favorably.  So  you  will  believe  me  when  I  say 
all  things  will  come  right. 

Wishing  you  all  happiness, 

I  am,  very  truly  yours,  R.  E.  LEE. 

Gen.  W.  H.  C.  Whiting. 

Events  at  this  period  will  be  better  understood  by  the 
perusal  of  the  following  letter  to  the  speaker,  from  Gen. 
Gustavus  W.  Smith  (now  of  New  York  city),  who  was 
second  in  command  to  General  Johnston  at  Seven  Pines, 
and  subsequently  in  command  of  the  army  until  relieved 

by  Gen.  R.  E.  Lee: 

130  East  115TH  Street, 
New  York  City,  April  23,  1895. 
Capt.  C.  B.  Denson,  Raleigh,  N.  C. 

My  Dear  Sir:  In  compliance  with  your  request  of  the  10th  instant, 
I  send  you  "my  views  of  the  military  services  of  the  late  Major  General 
W.  H.  C.  Whiting,  C.  S.  A." 

In  doing  so,  it  seems  best  that  I  should  refer,  at  least  in  a  general 
way,  to  the  opportunities  I  had  for  forming  opinions  on  that  subject. 

General  Whiting  and  myself  were  associated  for  one  year  as  Cadets 
in  the  Military  Academy  at  West  Point.  When  he  entered,  in  July, 
i84i,  I  had  just  passed  into  the  first  class.  During  the  year  that  we  had 
been  together  before  my  graduation,  I  came  to  know  him  well.  At  that 
time  he  was  a  lad  of  very  prepossessing  appearance  and  of  great  prom- 
ise. At  the  end  of  the  year  he  was  at  the  head  of  his  class,  in  which 
were  many  who,  later,  became  highly  distinguished  Generals.  Among 
these  were  W.  F.  Smith  and  Fitz  John  Porter. 

In  1844,  when  I  returned  to  the  Academy,  and  was  assigned  to  duty 
as  an  Assistant  Professor  of  Engineering,  Whiting  was  still  at  the  head 
of  his  class,  and  for  a  large  portion  of  that  year  came  under  my  imme- 
diate personal  instruction. 

In  1845  ne  was  graduated  and  appointed  Lieutenant  in  the  Corps  of 
Engineers  U.  S.  Army,  in  which  I  had  then  served  three  years.  The 
intimate  friendly  relations  that  were  formed  between  us  during  the  two 
years  we  were  together  at  West  Point  continued  until  1861 — although 
we  were  most  of  the  time  stationed  at  ports  far  distant  from  each  other. 


26 


In  the  latter  year,  when  I  joined  Gen.  J.  E.  Johnston's  army,  in  Sep- 
tember, and  was  assigned  to  command  the  Second  Corps,  Whiting  com- 
manded one  of  its  brigades;  and  our  personal  and  official  relations  were 
from  that  time  closer  and  more  intimate  than  ever  before. 

In  the  early  part  of  that  summer  Whiting  had  been  Chief  of  Staff  to 
Gen.  J.  E.  Johnston.  At  the  battle  of  Manassas,  July  21,  1861,  he  was 
promoted  to  the  rank  of  Brigadier  General  of  Volunteers,  and  placed 
in  command  of  Bee's  brigade,  made  vacant  by  the  death  of  General 
Barnard  E.  Bee,  killed  in  that  battle. 

Whiting  was  justly  proud  of  his  new  assignment,  and  he  determined, 
if  possible,  to  fully  supply  the  place  made  vacant  by  Bee's  death.  But 
it  was  soon  suggested  by  President  Davis  that  the  existing  brigades  in 
that  army  should  be  reorganized. 

On  that  subject  the  President  wrote  to  me,  October  10,  1861:  "  How 
have  you  progressed  in  the  solution  of  the  problem  I  left — the  organiza- 
tion of  troops  with  reference  to  States  and  terms  of  service  ?  Missis- 
sippi troops  were  scattered  as  if  the  State  was  unknown.  Brig.  Gen. 
Clark  was  sent  to  remove  a  growing  dissatisfaction,  but  though  the 
State  had  nine  regiments  there,  he,  Clark,  was  put  in  command  of  a 
port  and  depot  of  supplies.  These  nine  regiments  should  form  two 
brigades — Brigadiers  Clark  and  (as  a  native  of  Mississippi)  Whiting 
should  be  placed  in  command  of  them,  and  the  regiments  for  the  war 
should  be  put  in  the  army  man's  brigades." 

Besides  his  rank  in  the  Volunteers,  Whiting  then  held  a  commission 
as  Major  of  Corps  of  Engineers  in  the  regular  Confederate  States  Army. 
On  the  24th  October,  1861,  he  wrote  to  me:  "I  had  heard  that  attempts 
were  on  foot  to  organize  the  regiments  into  brigades  by  States — a  policy 
as  suicidal  as  foolish.  *  *  *  For  my  own  part,  I  shall  protest  to  the 
bitter  end  against  any  of  my  regiments  being  taken  from  me;  they  are 
used  to  me  and  I  to  them,  and  accustomed  to  act  together.  If  left  to 
their  own  desires,  not  one  would  be  willing  to  change.  It  has  been 
reported  to  me  that  a  General  Clark  of  Mississippi  came  into  my  camp 
and  wanted  Falkner  and  Liddell,  commanding  two  of  the  best  regiments 
in  the  service,  to  unite  with  him  in  getting  them  under  his  command. 
They  refused.  He  did  not  do  me  the  honor  to  call  upon  me;  nor  did  I 
know  of  his  presence  or  his  object.  Had  I  known  his  purpose  I  would 
have  put  him  in  arrest.  He  was  miffed  because  they  preferred  to  remain 
as  they  are. 

"If  they  persist  at  Richmond  (in  their  purpose  to  reorganize  the 
brigades),  they  will  be  guilty  of  inconceivable  folly.  *  *  *  For  one, 
I  am  not  disposed  to  submit  for  one  moment  to  any  system  which  is 
devised  solely  for  the  advancement  of  log-rolling,  humbugging  politi- 
cians— and  I  will  not  do  it.  If  the  worst  comes,  I  can  go  back  to  North 
Carolina  or  Georgia,  where  I  shall  be  welcome,  and  where  I  shall  (as 
Major  of  Engineers)  find  enough  to  do  in  defending  the  coast." 


27 


The  proposed  reorganization  of  brigades  was  not  carried  into  effect 
at  that  time;  and  General  Whiting  retained  command  of  the  troops 
who  were  used  to  him,  and  he  to  them. 

When  General  Johnston's  army  occupied  the  defensive  line  at  and 
near  Yorktown,  General  Whiting  commanded  a  division  composed  of 
three  brigades — his  own  and  those  of  Hood  and  Hampton.  That  divis- 
ion formed  a  portion  of  my  command  during  the  operations  at  York- 
town,  and  in  the  withdrawal  of  our  army  to  the  vicinity  of  Richmond. 

On  the  28th  May,  1862,  under  authority  from  General  Johnston,  the 
following  order  was  issued  by  my  direction: 

"The  division  now  commanded  by  Brig.  Gen.  Whiting,  and  the  brig- 
ades of  Brig.  Gen.  Pettigrew  and  Brig.  Gen.  Hatton  will,  until  further 
orders,  constitute  one  division  under  command  of  Brig.  Gen.  Whiting." 

That  division  bore  my  name.  My  command,  proper,  at  that  time, 
was  the  left  wing  of  General  Johnston's  army,  which  was  composed  of 
the  division  under  Whiting,  and  the  divisions  of  A.  P.  Hill  and  D.  R. 
Jones. 

On  the  next  day,  May  29th,  General  Johnston  wrote  to  General 
Whiting:  "For  any  purpose  but  that  contemplated  yesterday  the  present 
disposition  of  our  troops  is  not  good — it  is  too  strong  on  the  extreme 
left.  If  we  get  into  a  fight  here,  you  will  have  to  hurry  to  help  us.  I 
think  it  will  be  best  for  A.  P.  Hill's  troops  (his  division)  to  watch  the 
brigades,  and  for  yours  to  be  well  in  this  direction — ready  to  act  any- 
where. Tell  G.  W.  (General  G.  W.)  Smith,  commander  of  the  left  wing 
of  the  army." 

On  the  30th  of  May,  9:15  p.  M.,  General  Johnston  sent  direct  to  Gen- 
eral Whiting  an  order  preparatory  for  battle;  and  at  the  same  time  sent 
the  order  to  me  :  "If  nothing  prevents,  we  will  fall  upon  the  enemy 
in  front  of  Major  General  (D.  H.)  Hill,  who  occupies  the  position  on 
the  Williamsburg  road,  from  which  your  troops  moved  to  the  neighbor- 
hood of  Meadow  Bridges.  Please  be  ready  to  move  by  the  Nine-mile 
road,  coming  as  early  as  possible  to  the  point  at  which  the  road  to  New 
Bridge  turns  off. 

"  Should  there  be  cause  of  haste,  General  McLaws,  on  your  approach, 
will  be  ordered  to  leave  his  ground  for  you,  that  he  may  reinforce  Gen. 
Longstreet. 

"McLaw's  division  was  guarding  the  crossings  of  the  Chickahominy 
from  the  Mechanicsville,  and  formed  a  portion  of  the  center  of  the 
army,  commanded  by  General  Magruder. " 

The  leading  brigades  of  the  division  under  Whiting  moved  at  dawn 
from  1  heir  position  in  "the  neighborhood  of  Meadow  Bridges;"  and 
soon  after  sunrise,  May  31,  near  General  Johnston's  headquarters  in  the 
northeast  suburb  of  Richmond,  formed  their  line  of  march  to  the  Nine- 
mile  road,  obstructed  by  troops  of  Longstreet's  division.  Becoming 
impatient  at  the  delay  thus  caused,  General   Whiting  addressed  a  note 


28 


to  General  Johnston  on  that  subject,  and  received  the  following  reply 
from  an  officer  of  the  General  Staff : 

"  General  Johnston  directs  me  to  say,  in  answer  to  yours  of  this  date, 
that  General  Longstreet  will  precede  you.  What  he  said  about  McLaw's 
(in  the  order  of  battle  sent  to  Whiting),  was  merely  in  case  of  emer- 
gency.    He  has  given  no  orders  to  Magruder. " 

From  that  time  the  movements  of  the  division  under  Whiting  were 
directed  by  General  Johnston  in  person.  He  was  with  it  the  whole  day, 
until  he  was  wounded  a  little  before  sunset.  Whoever  may  be  responsi- 
ble for  the  most  unfortunate  delay  on  the  part  of  the  Confederates  in 
attacking  the  Federal  Corps,  badly  isolated  at  Seven  Pines,  on  the 
morning  of  the  31st  May,  no  blame  can  attach  to  Whiting,  or  to  the 
division  he  commanded. 

Without  entering  upon  a  description  of  the  battle  of  Seven  Pines,  it 
may  be  mentioned  here,  that,  as  second  officer  in  rank  in  the  Army  of 
Northern  Virginia,  I  took  command  at  dark  on  the  31st  May;  General 
Joseph  E.  Johnston  having  been,  a  short  time  before,  removed  from  the 
field  very  seriously  wounded.  About  2  p.  m.  on  the  istof  June,  by  order 
of  President  Davis,  I  turned  over  the  command,  on  the  field,  to  Gen. 
R.  E.  Lee.  On  the  2d  June  I  was  suddenly  struck  down  by  disease 
and  taken  to  Richmond. 

On  the  10th  June,  General  Whiting  addressed  the  following  to  my 
Chief  of  Staff: 

"The  attention  of  the  General  commanding  the  army  should  be  called 
to  the  condition  of  this  division.  Its  effective  strength  is  daily  decreas- 
ing. Since  Yorktown,  with  the  exception  of  some  four  days  when  it 
was  encamped  near  Richmond,  it  has  been  constantly  in  contact  with 
the  enemy.  It  has  fought  two  battles  (one  near  the  head  of  York  river, 
the  other  at  Seven  Pines),  the  last  engagement  of  great  severity,  in 
which  it  suffered  heavy  loss,  especially  in  officers;  followed  by  two  days 
of  great  hardship  and  privation.  It  now  occupies  an  important  position, 
where  the  service  is  exceedingly  onerous,  directly  in  the  face  of  the 
enemy,  with  whom  they  are  constantly  engaged.  They  are  iu  a  swamp 
of  exceedingly  unhealthy  character,  and  to  properly  defend  our  center 
the  labor  is  exhausting.  *  *  *  It  is  absolutely  necessary  that  other 
troops  relieve  (this)  the  first  division.  If  no  other  offers,  the  second 
(that  of  A.  P.  Hill,  which  was  not  engaged  at  Seven  Pines)  might  take 
its  place.  The  Major  General,  no  doubt,  is  well  aware  of  the  condition 
of  affairs,  and  although  (he  is)  not  now  on  duty,  I  appeal  to  his  influ- 
ence if  it  can  be  exerted.  A  copy  of  this  is  sent  direct  to  the  General 
Commanding  the  Army." 

The  foregoing  appeal  resulted  in  the  relief  of  that  division  from  its 
"onerous"  service.  In  an  interview  with  General  Lee,  Whiting  sug- 
gested and  requested  that  orders  be  issued  requiring  him  to  take  his 
own  brigade  and  that  of  Hood,  by  rail,  via  Lynchburg,  to  join  General 


29 


Jackson's  forces  in  the  Valley  of  Virginia,  and   then  march  with  those 
forces  to  rejoin  the  main  army. 

The  instructions  were  given  and  executed;  and  these  two  brigades, 
under  Whiting's  command,  played  an  important  part  in  Lee's  opera- 
tions against  McClellan  in  front  of  Richmond,  and  continued  under 
Lee  until  Whiting  was  selected  by  the  Confederate  Government  to  take 
charge  of  the  defences  of  Wilmington  and  the  Cape  Fear  District. 

In  the  meantime  I  had  partially  regained  health,  and  been  assigned 
command  in  portions  of  Virginia  and  the  whole  State  of  North  Carolina, 
with  headquarters  at  Richmond.  Thus,  Whiting's  assignment  to  the 
Cape  Fear  District  brought  him  again  under  my  command. 

Soon  thereafter  I  urged,  and  repeatedly  insisted,  that  in  all  fairness, 
he  ought  to  be  promoted  to  the  rank  of  Major  General.  The  importance 
of  the  command  he  then  exercised  would  more  than  justify  his  imme- 
diate advancement;  and  his  previous  services,  as  commander  of  a  divis- 
ion in  more  than  one  campaign,  and  upon  various  battle-fields,  fully 
entitled  him  to  this  promotion. 

On  the  7th  February,  1863,  I  resigned  my  commission  in  the  Confed- 
erate States  Army.     On  the  14th  General  Whiting  wrote: 

"I  received  your  note  with  great  sorrow.  It  leaves  me  in  the  dark 
about  the  causes  of  so  serious  a  step.  I  suppose  unwarranted  interfer- 
ence with  your  command  is  the  immediate  reason." 

On  the  23d  of  the  same  month  he  wrote:  "I  know  you  have  a  great 
deal  of  injustice  to  put  up  with  and,  harder  yet,  I  see  the  Secretary  of 
War  interfering  in  the  subordinate  details  of  your  command;  but  remem- 
ber what  you  told  me  when  I,  too,  was  smarting  under  injustice  of  no 
common  kind." 

From  the  time  he  entered  the  Confederate  service  as  Chief  Engineer 
at  Charleston,  Whiting,  in  every  position  he  was  called  upon  to  fill, 
proved  himself  to  be  a  thoroughly  competent  officer.  His  great  natural 
ability  was  supplemented  by  a  high  order  of  education  and  systematic 
study  of  his  profession.  His  good  influence  over  officers  and  men  under 
him  was  unbounded;  and  he  was  thoroughly  loyal  and  true  to  those 
who  were  placed  over  him. 

His  extraordinary  skill  as  a  military  engineer  was  fully  exemplified 
in  the  defensive  works  he  planned  and  constructed  for  the  defense  of 
the  approaches  to  Wilmington;  and,  I  am  convinced,  that  in  the  final 
attack  of  the  Federals  upon  that  place,  President  Davis,  by  superseding 
General  Whiting  at  the  eleventh  hour  and  depriving  him  of  supreme 
control  over  the  defences  he  had  created,  made  a  sad  mistake. 

In  private  life,  in  every  relation,  he  was  always  a  warm-hearted,  high- 
toned  gentleman,  respected  and  beloved  for  his  great  worth.  His  death, 
from  wounds  received  when  Wilmington  fell,  was  deeply  lamented  by 
all  Federal,  as  well  as  Confederate,  officers  who  knew  him. 

Very  truly  yours,  GUSTAVUS  W.  SMITH. 


30 


On  the  28th  February,  1863,  the  long  delayed  promotion 
of  Brigadier  General  Whiting  to  Major  General  was  made, 
and  the  correspondence  of  the  General  shows  letters  from 
some  of  the  best  and  bravest  General  Officers  of  the  army 
writing  of  their  own  accord  to  entreat  him  not  to  decline 
the  tardy  recognition,  but  to  accept  and  work  on  for  the 
good  of  the  cause.  General  Smith  said,  "Accept,  I  beg 
you,  what  in  justice  should  have  been  done  long  ago." 

General  Gist  wrote  from  Charleston: 

"  Knowing  you  will  feel  disposed  to  decline  this  promotion,  from  high 
and  proper  motives,  I  have  concluded  to  intrude  my  advice,  and  beg 
you  to  accept.  Ailthough  all  acknowledge  that  you  should  have  been 
promoted  long  ago  ;  still,  we  must  make  sacrifices  for  our  common  coun- 
try and  cause.  In  common  with  many  officers  and  citizens,  I  much  de- 
sireyou  to  be  sent  to  us,  for  the  command  of  the  district  of  Charleston. 
We  will  have  additional  troops  soon,  and  may  expect  a  Major  General  to 
command  the  whole." 

It  adds  to  the  force  of  this  letter  to  remember  that  its 
writer  was  then  senior  Brigadier  General  commanding  at 
Charleston  himself. 

He  was  called  now  to  the  defence  of  Wilmington,  pro- 
ceeding to  his  post  of  duty  in  November,  1862.  A  week 
afterwards  he  writes  the  General  Commanding  at  Rich- 
mond : 

•'My  first,  and  last  request  will  be  for  troops.  Not  less  than  10,000 
effective  men  should  be  collected  as  soon  as  possible,  with  five  or  six 
field  batteries.  The  peculiar  features  of  the  site  make  ihe  presence  of  a 
strong  manoeuvreing  force,  in  addition  to  the  stationary  batteries,  indis- 
pensable." 

The  importance  of  Wilmington,  the  only  port  practica- 
ble for  use  by  Confederates,  it  is  impossible  to  set  forth  to 
those  unacquainted  with  the  straits  of  the  Confederacy. 
It  was  the  mouth  of  the  Confederate  States,  and  when  it 
was  closed,  arms,  ammunition,  food,  clothing,  medicines, 
machinery  and  supplies  of  every  character   were   cut   off. 


31 


To  lose  it  was   to  receive  a  fatal   blow — a   wound  which 
must  endanger  the  life  of  Lee's  army. 

It  was  difficult  of  defence — easy  to  attack  by  one  or 
more  of  a  number  of  routes.  Situated  twenty-five  miles 
from  the  fortifications  at  the  nearest  mouth  of  the  Cape 
Fear,  it  was  yet  only  about  six  miles  from  points  on  the 
coast,  where  a  landing  might  be  effected.  Assailable  not 
only  here,  and  at  the  mouth  of  the  river,  by  way  of  Oak 
Island,  below  Caswell,  and  an  expedition  via  Southport, 
or  by  march  from  Kinston  or  Newbern,  the  enemy's  caWfc/*y 
having  occupied  the  line  as  far  as  New  Hope,  in  Onslow; 
or,  again,  by  attack  upon  Caswell  or  Fort  Fisher.  Its  pres- 
ervation was  a  source  of  deep  anxiety. 

It  was,  in  fact,  the  second  capital  of  the  Confederacy. 
Here  the  wharves  were  lined  with  the  swift,  narrow,  smoke- 
colored,  blockade-running  steamships  taking  away  cotton 
and  bringing  supplies.  Men  of  all  nationalities  were  upon 
these,  and  possibly  spies.  The  beautiful  snow-white  ensign 
of  the  South,  with  the  battle-flag  of  the  troops  for  its  union, 
fluttered  from  the  Chickamauga  and  other  vessels  of  war; 
ammunition  and  ordnance  for  the  most  distant  points  were 
landed  upon  the  wharves,  and  sent  away,  even  when  the 
eager  eyes  of  those  whose  safety  was  bound  up  with  Wil- 
mington's defence  saw  it  leaving  the  spot  where  it  was 
most  needed. 

Strange  to  say,  never  was  the  vast  importance  of  this 
last  harbor  of  access  from  the  rest  of  Christendom  appre- 
ciated, until  the  die  was  cast  and  all  was  over! 

General  Whiting  was  ordered  there  in  November,  1862, 
the  place  having  been  thought  comparatively  safe  from 
attack  during  the  fall  of  that  year,  while  an  epidemic  of 
yellow  fever  ravaged  the  city  and  cost  the  lives  of  many 
noble  men. 

"  It  was  no  longer  a  question  of  batteries  strong  enough 
for  resistance  against  a  few  vessels,  but  as  port  after  port 


32 


was  closed,  and  many  taken,  the  day  came  when  the  effec- 
tive force  of  the  flower  of  the  whole  American  Navy  was 
to  be  brought  to  bear.  Appreciating  this,  the  General 
gave  himself,  his  every  thought  and  effort,  to  the  gigantic 
task  before  him. 

Ably  seconded  by  the  brave  and  vigorous  efforts  of  Col. 
William  Lamb,  commanding  the  Thirty-sixth  North  Caro- 
lina (a  regiment  of  heavy  artillery),  he  encouraged  the 
exertions  of  Lamb  in  building  and  strengthening  the  huge 
Mound  Battery  and  a  line  of  defence  on  the  land  side  at 
Fort  Fisher,  while  he  gave  his  own  attention  to  the  entire 
system  of  defences  as  a  whole.  Forts  Caswell,  Holmes, 
Campbell,  Anderson  and  others  were  greatly  strengthened, 
enlarged,  furnished  with  better  artillery  where  practicable, 
military  roads  and  bridges  made  extending  up  the  Sounds, 
complete  topographical  maps  prepared,  torpedoes  made  and 
filled,  the  channel  obstructed  except  at  points  commanded 
by  a  chain  ot  batteries  on  the  river,  a  pontoon  bridge  con- 
structed, batteries  thrown  up  commanding  the  approach  at 
North  East  river  from  Goldsboro  or  Newbern,  redoubts 
built  near  the  city,  mines  dug,  and  telegraphs  placed  in 
position. 

But  there  were  two  vital  needs  he  could  not  control — the 
number  of  troops  to  support  the  works,  and  the  amount  of 
ammunition  to  carry  on  the  contest.  His  letter-books 
show  not  one  appeal,  but  dozens  of  earnest,  imploring 
requests  of  the  Secretary  of  War,  of  General  Smith,  of 
General  Lee,  of  General  Bragg  when  stationed  at  Rich- 
mond in  general  charge,  and  of  the  President  himself, 
showing  with  the  prevision  of  the  great  military  genius, 
what  must  inevitably  ensue.  It  is  most  pathetic  to  read 
page  after  page,  and  think  how  literally  it  was  fulfilled. 

In  the  letter-book  of  General  Whiting  may  be  found  the 
following  clear  and  definite  warning,  written  to  the  Secre- 
tary of  War,  July  24,  1863,  a  year  and  a  half  nearly  before 


33 


the  attack  came,  just  as  he  prophesied  with   his  unerring 
military  insight,      He  says: 

"I  beg  leave  to  call  your  attention  to  my  numerous  letters  to  your 
predecessor,  and  yourself,  in  defence  of  this  place,  and  my  memoir  to 
the  President. 

************* 

"  You  are  aware  that  the  town  can  be  approached  and  attacked  with- 
out any  demonstration  upon  the  harbor  at  all,  and  yet  if  the  city  should 
fall,  the  harbor  must  inevitably  be  lost.  Of  one  thing  we  may  be  sure 
— should  Wilmington  be  taken  by  the  enemy,  we  cannot  take  it  back. 
When  the  enemy  do  come  against  us,  it  will  not  be  sufficient  to  rely 
upon  a  hasty  assemblage  of  regiments,  from  different  parts  of  the  coun- 
try ;  their  first  step  must  be  met  and  forced  back,  lest  it  prove  fatal. 

"  Let  them  get  a  foothold,  either  near  Fisher  or  Caswell,  and  with 
their  immense  resources  and  water  carriage,  all  of  the  faithful  labors 
and  immense  work  done  here,  is  jeopardized  and  in  great  danger.  Or, 
let  them  approach  the  city  and  establish  themselves,  and  the  like  must 
result.  There  is  but  one  cause  to  prevent  it,  and  that  is,  their  point  of 
attack  being  ascertained  or  divined,  to  have  troops  at  hand  to  drive 
them  into  the  sea  the  moment  they  land.  Delay  or  weakness  gives 
them  cover  and  protection.  A  few  days  with  the  powerful  flanking  fire 
of  their  navy,  on  an  open  beach,  and  they  are  impregnable,  and  have  a 
grasp  upon  the  place  that  we  cannot  unloose. 
"Very  respectfully, 

"  W.  H.  C.  Whiting,  Major  General." 

General  Whiting  gave  his  heart  to  the  work  of  the  de- 
fence of  North  Carolina.  He  had  been  long  and  success- 
fully engaged,  before  the  war,  in  the  improvement  of  the 
navigation  of  the  Cape  Fear,  and  learned  to  know  and 
esteem  her  people.  He  had  won,  as  his  bride,  one  of  the 
noble  women  of  the  Cape  Fear,  Miss  Kate  D.  Walker, 
daughter  of  Major  John  Walker,  of  Smithville  and  Wil- 
mington. 

His  estimate  of  the  high-toned  people  among  whom  he 
lived  is  seen  in  the  military  order  published  in  the  winter 
of  1862,  by  him,  in  a  period  of  great  anxiety: 

"I  request  all  those  citizens  of  Wilmington,  who  are  willing  to  take 
arms  in  defence  of  their  homes,  and  I  well  know  there  are  many  smh, 
to  organize  themselves  into  a  body,  with  such  weapons  as  they  may 

3 


34 


have,  and  with  those  that  I  can  supply,  and  I  suggest  that  they  select  a 
leader  and  such  officers  as  their  numbers  require. 

"I  address  this  request  to  many  gallant  gentlemen,  who  from  age, 
and  according  to  law,  in  the  exercise  of  many  duties,  are  not  otherwise 
called  on  to  bear  arms  in  this  war.  I  and  my  staff  will  be  glad  to  afford 
them  instruction,  at  such  times  and  places  as  may  be  most  convenient. 
They  will  be  called  on  when  the  enemy  is  at  our  doors.  I  am  confident 
from  my  long  and  intimate  association  with  the  men  of  Wilmington, 
and  vicinity,  that  they  are  not  only  willing,  but  eager  to  fight  the  inva- 
der, and  am  sure  they  will  do  their  utmost  to  the  last. 

(Signed.)  "W.  H.  C.  Whiting, 

"Jas.  H.  Hill,  "Brig\  Gen.  Commanding." 

"  Chief  of  Staff." 

The  ceaseless  labor  went  on  day  after  day,  month  after 
month,  heaping  np  defensive  works,  driving  palisades, 
sounding  the  channels  (for  the  treacherous  sands  of  that 
inlet  give  new  direction  to  the  channel  after  every  storm 
from  the  sea),  protecting  commerce,  and  the  routine  of  the 
command,  complicated  as  the  great  forwarding  depot  of 
the  South;  but  he  never  ceased  to  warn  Richmond  that 
stationary  fortifications  alone  could  not  accomplish  the 
impossible  task  of  holding  the  port;  there  must  be  a  sup- 
porting force  of  troops  to  meet  at  once  troops  embarked  by 
the  enemy,  as  they  would  be  out  of  reach  of  the  guns  of 
of  the  Fort,  whether  on  Oak  Island  or  near  Fort  Fisher. 

Meanwhile  events  were  rapidly  progressing  elsewhere, 
and  the  sad  story  of  repeated  Confederate  losses  was  grow- 
ing familiar. 

The  following  remarkable  letter  from  Gen.  Joseph  E. 
Johnston  deserves  record  here: 

"Dalton,  Ga.,  March  7,  1864. 
"  Major  General  Whiting. 

"My  Dear  Friend  :  I  cannot  express  to  you  the  satisfaction  given 
me  by  the  recognition  of  your  once  familiar  handwriting.  How  it  re- 
minded me  of  the  time  when  military  service  and  high  command  gave 
me  as  much  pride  as  pleasure ;  and  gave  me  those  feelings  because  the 
General  Officers  serving  with  me,  were  soldiers  in  every  sense  of  the 
word — in  whom  I  had  full  confidence.  Many  of  them — some  of  them, 
friends  whom  I  loved. 


35 


"A  life,  as  long  as  Methuselah's,  would  not  let  me  see  another  such 
army  as  that  we  had  from  Harper's  Ferry,  via  Manassas  and  Yorktown, 
to  the  Chickahomiuy  and  Richmond.  However,  the  tone  and  temper 
of  this  army  has  certainly  improved  greatly  since  the  beginning  of  1864, 
and  I  would  now  freely  meet  odds  of  three  to  two.  *  *  *  The  only 
drawback  is  the  want  of  artillery  horses,  and  the  wretched  condition  of 
those  we  have.  We  have  scarcely  a  team  capable  of  a  day's  march,  or 
a  day's  service  in  battle. 

"  I  see  from  your  letter,  that  you  have  heard  of  my  attempt  to  get  you 
into  this  army  as  Lieut.  General.  When  I  made  the  recommendation, 
it  was  with  a  strong  hope  of  success,  for  I  had  heard  here  that  one  of 
the  President's  A.  D.  C's  had  expressed  the  opinion  that  you  would  be 
promoted.  The  reason  given  for  putting  aside  the  recommendation, 
was  an  odd  one  to  me.  It  was  that  you  were  too  valuable  in  your  pres- 
ent place.     If  you  were  with  me,  I  should  feel  confident." 

What  line  of  eulogy,  however  expressed,  could  come 
with  greater  power  than  from  the  master  of  strategy  and 
the  patriot  hero,  whom  his  troops  loved  with  undying- 
devotion,  and  who  gave  the  last  bloody  lesson  to  the  inva- 
der on  North  Carolina  soil — in  the  struggle  at  Bentonsville  ? 
To  ask  for  Whiting  as  his  second  in  command,  and  to 
declare:  "If  you  were  with  me,  I  should  feel  confident!" 
That  is  a  sentence  which  should  be  the  immortal  epitaph 
of  the  hero  whose  life  we  attempt  to  review  to-day. 

In  his  valuable  address,  delivered  at  the  request  of  Cape 
Fear  Camp,  United  Confederate  Veterans,  by  Col.  William 
Lamb,  is  this  description  of  Fort  Fisher,  which  was  still 
unfinished  when  the  attack  occurred.      He  says: 

"The  plans  were  my  own,  and  as  the  work  progressed,  were  approved 
by  French,  Raines,  Longstreet,  Beauregard  and  Whiting.  It  was  styled 
by  Federal  engineers,  'the  Malakoff  of  the  South.'  It  was  built  solely 
with  the  view  of  resisting  the  fire  of  a  fleet,  and  it  stood  uninjured,  ex- 
cept as  to  armament,  two  of  the  fiercest  bombardments  the  world  has 
ever  witnessed. 

"The  two  faces  to  the  works  were  2,580  yards  long,  or  about  one  and 
a  half  miles.  The  land  face  mounted  twenty  of  the  heaviest  sea-coast 
guns,  and  was  682  yards  long  ;  the  sea-face  with  twenty-four  equally 
heavy  guns.  The  land  face  commenced  about  100  feet  from  the  river, 
with  a  half  bastion,  originally  Shepherd's  Battery,  which  had  been 
doubled  in  strength,  and  extended  with  a  heavy  curtain  to  a  full  bastion 


36 


on  the  ocean  side,  where  it  joined  the  sea-face.  The  work  was  built  to 
withstand  the  heaviest  artillery  fire.  There  was  no  moat  with  scarp  and 
counter  scarp  so  essential  for  defence  against  storming  parties,  the  shift- 
ing sands  rendering  its  construction  impossible,  with  the  material  avail- 
able. The  water  slope  was  twenty  feet  high  from  the  berme  to  the  top 
of  the  parapet,  at  an  angle  of  forty-five  degrees,  and  was  sodded  with 
marsh  grass,  which  grew  luxuriantly.  The  parapet  was  not  less  than 
twenty-five  feet  thick.  The  guns  were  all  mounted  en  barbette,  with 
Columbiad  carriages  ;  there  was  not  a  single  casemated  gun  in  the  fort. 
Experience  had  taught,  that  casemates  of  timber  and  sand-bags  were  a 
delusion  and  a  snare,  against  heavy  projectiles,  and  there  was  no  iron 
to  construct  others  with. 

"  Between  the  gun-chambers,  containing  one  or  two  guns  each,  there 
were  heavy  traverses,  exceeding  in  size  any  heretofore  constructed,  to 
protect  from  an  enfilading  fire.  They  extended  out  some  twelve  feet 
on  the  parapet,  and  were  twelve  feet  or  more  in  height  above  the  para- 
pet, running  back  thirty  feet  or  more.  Further  along,  where  the  chan- 
nel ran  close  to  the  beach,  inside  the  bar,  a  mound  battery,  sixty  feet 
high,  was  erected,  with  two  heavy  guns,  which  had  a  plunging  fire  on 
the  channel  ;  this  was  connected  with  a  battery  north  of  it,  by  a  light 
curtain. 

"Following  the  line  of  the  works,  it  was  over  one  mile  from  the 
mound  to  the  redan,  at  the  angle  of  the  sea  and  the  land  faces.  From 
the  mound,  for  nearly  a  mile,  to  the  end  of  the  point,  was  a  level  sand 
plain,  scarce  three  feet  above  high  tide,  and  much  of  it  was  submerged 
during  gales.  At  the  point  itself,  was  Battery  Buchanan,  with  four  guns, 
in  the  shape  of  an  elliptic,  commanding  the  inlet,  its  two  n-inch  guns 
covering  the  approach  by  land. 

"Returning  to  the  land  face,  or  northern  front  of  Fort  Fisher,  as  a 
defence  against  infantry,  there  was  a  system  of  sub-terra  torpedoes,  ex- 
tending across  the  peninsula  five  or  six  hundred  feet  from  the  land  face, 
and  so  disconnected,  that  the  explosion  of  one  would  not  affect  the 
others  ;  inside  the  torpedoes,  about  fifty  feet  from  the  berme  of  the 
work,  extending  from  the  river  bank  to  the  seashore,  was  a  heavy  pal- 
isade of  sharpened  logs,  nine  feet  high,  pierced  for  musketry,  and  so 
laid  out  as  to  have  an  enfilading  fire  on  the  centre,  where  there  was  a 
redoubt  guarding  a  sally-port,  from  which  two  Napoleons  were  run  out 
as  occasion  required. 

"The  garrison  consisted  of  two  companies  of  the  ioth  North  Carolina, 
under  Major  James  Reilly  ;  the  36th  North  Carolina,  Col.  William  Lamb, 
ten  companies  ;  4  companies  of  the  40th  North  Carolina  ;  Co.  D  of  the 
1st  North  Carolina  Artillery  Battalion  ;  Co.  C,  3rd  North  Carolina  Artil- 
lery Battalion  ;  Co.  D,  13th  North  Carolina  Artillery  Battalion,  and  the 
Naval  Detachment,  under  Captain  Van  Benthuysen." 


37 


Colonel  Lamb  affirms  that  at  no  time  during  the  last  and 
heaviest  action  were  there  in  the  Fort  more  than  1,900 
men,  including  the  sick,  killed  and  wounded. 

The  activity  of  the  blockade-running  steamers  stirred 
the  Federal  Government  to  prepare  a  gigantic  force  for  the 
long  deferred  attack.  It  was  known  that  the  Confederate 
steamer,  R.  E.  Lee,  had  made  twenty-one  trips  within  ten 
months  from  the  British  port  of  Nassau,  and  Chicago 
bacon  had  become  familiar  in  our  ranks.  Men  of  world- 
wide fame  visited  the  port  under  assumed  names.  Among 
these  was  Hobart  Pasha,  the  Englishman  who  afterwards 
commanded  the  Turkish  Navy;  Captain  Murray,  who  was 
C.  Murray  Aynsley,  afterwards  Admiral  in  the  British 
Navy,   and  others. 

Rumors  came  thick  and  fast  of  the  great  expedition  in 
preparation,  and  in  the  midst  of  active  movement  the 
troops  were  thunderstruck  at  the  news  that  Gen.  Braxton 
Bragg  had  assumed  command  at  Wilmington,  superseding 
but  not  removing  General  Whiting,  who  remained  second 
in  command. 

The  speaker,  whose  duties  in  the  Engineer  service  called 
him  to  many  points  of  the  city  and  river  defences,  found 
the  feeling  of  melancholy  foreboding  at  this  change  to  be 
universal. 

General  Bragg' s  career  in  the  Mexican  war,  in  the  vigor 
of  early  life,  when  Captain  of  artillery,  was  most  brilliant 
and  honorable.  But  whatever  may  have  been  the  cause, 
no  matter  what  his  ability  or  efforts,  the  fact  was  known 
that  his  record  throughout  the  war,  from  the  attack  on 
Pickens,  to  the  day  that  he  gave  up  the  army  of  Tennessee 
to  Johnston,  was  one  involving  much  slaughter  and  little 
success.  Colonel  Lamb  says  (in  his  address  at  Wilmington 
in  1893): 

"This  was  a  bitter  disappointment  to  my  command,  who  felt  that  no 
one  was  so  capable  of  defending  the  Cape  Fear  as  the  brilliant  officer 
who  had  given  so  much  of  his  time  and  ability  for  its  defence. 


38 


"  The  patriotic  Whiting  showed  no  feeling  at  being  superseded,  but 
went  to  work,  with  redoubled  energy,  to  prepare  for  the  impending 
attack.  He  visited  Confederate  Point  frequently,  riding  over  the  ground 
with  me,  and  selecting  points  for  batteries  and  covered  ways,  so  as  to 
keep  up  communication,  after  the  arrival  of  the  enemy,  between  the 
fort  and  the  entrenched  camp,  which  I  began  at  Sugar  Loaf. 

"He  pointed  out  to  me  where  the  enemy  would  land  on  the  beach, 
beyond  the  range  of  our  guns,  and  on  both  occasions  the  enemy  landed 
at  that  very  place,  without  opposition,  although  Whiting  had  prepared 
ample  shelter  for  troops,  to  seriously  retard,  if  not  prevent  a  landing. 

"It  seems  incomprehensible,"  Lamb  continues,  "that  Gen.  Bragg 
should  have  allowed  the  Federal  troops,  on  both  attacks,  to  have  made 
a  frolic  of  their  landing  on  the  soil  of  North  Carolina.  Six  thousand 
soldiers  from  Lee's  army  within  call,  and  not  one  sent  to  meet  the  inva- 
der and  drive  him  from  the  shore." 

"Half  the  garrison  had  been  sent  to  Georgia,  against  Sherman,  under 
Major  Stevenson.  On  the  day  the  fleet  came  in  sight,  we  had  but  500 
men,  but  next  day  we  were  reinforced  by  two  companies  under  Major 
Reilly,  a  company  of  the  13th  N.  C.  Battalion,  and  the  7th  Battalion 
Junior  Reserves,  boys  between  16  and  18,  in  number  140 — making  a  total 
in  the  fort  of  900  men  and  boys. 

"The  brave  young  boys,  torn  from  their  firesides  by  the  cruel  neces- 
sities of  the  struggle,  were  as  bright  and  manly  as  if  anticipating  a 
parade. 

"  What  nobler  women  can  be  found  in  all  history,  than  the  matrons 
of  the  Old  North  State,  who,  with  their  prayers  and  tears,  sent  forth 
their  darlings  in  a  cause  they  believed  to  be  right,  and  in  defence  of  their 
homes?  Self-sacrificing  courage  seems  indigenous  to  North  Carolina. 
No  breast  is  too  tender  for  this  heroic  virtue.  The  first  life-blood  that 
stained  the  sands  of  Confederate  Point,  was  from  one  of  these  youthful 
patriots. 

"Saturday  (Christmas  eve),"  Col.  Lamb  says,  "  was  almost  an  Indian 
summer  day,  and  the  deep  blue  sea  was  as  calm  as  a  lake.  With  the 
rising  sun  out  of  the  ocean,  there  came  upon  the  horizon,  one  after 
another,  the  vessels  of  the  fleet,  numbering  more  than  fifty  men-of-war; 
the  grand  frigates  led  the  van,  followed  by  the  ironclads.  At  9  o'clock 
the  men  were  beat  to  quarters,  and  silently  stood  by  their  guns.  *  * 
The  Minnesota,  Colorado  and  Wabash  came  grandly  on,  floating  for- 
tresses, each  mounting  more  guns  than  all  the  batteries  on  land,  and 
the  first  two  combined  carrying  more  shot  and  shell  than  all  the  maga- 
zines in  the  fort  contained. 

"  From  the  left  salient  to  the  mound,  Fort  Fisher  had  forty-four  guns, 
and  not  over  3,000  shot  and  shell,  exclusive  of  grape  and  shrapnel.  The 
Armstrong  gun  had  only  one  dozen  rounds  of  fixed  ammunition,  and 
no  other  projectiles  could  be  used  in  its  delicate  groves.     The  order  was 


39 


given  to  fire  no  shot  until  the  Columbiad  at  headquarters  fired,  and  that 
each  gun  that  bore  on  a  vessel  should  be  fired  every  thirty  minutes,  and 
not  oftener,  except  by  special  order,  unless  an  attempt  was  made  to  cross 
the  bar,  when  every  gun  bearing  on  it,  should  be  fired  as  rapidly  as  accu- 
racy would  permit." 

For  five  hours  this  tremendous  hail  of  shot  and  shell  was 
poured  upon  the  works,  before  they  hauled  off  for  the 
night. 

General  Whiting  had  been  assigned  to  no  duty  by  Gen- 
eral Bragg,  although  it  was  his  right  to  have  commanded 
the  supporting  troops.  He  determined  to  go  to  the  Fort 
and  share  its  fate.  Meeting  its  commander,  who  offered 
to  relinquish  the  control,  the  General  declined  to  take  away 
the  glory  of  the  defence  from  the  brave  Lamb,  but  declared 
he  would  counsel  him,  and  fight  as  a  volunteer. 

The  second  day  by  10  o'clock  the  fleet  was  in  line  again, 
some  five  miles  long,  and  from  half  a  mile  to  a  mile  and 
a  half  distant,  pouring  a  rain  of  shot  and  shell.  Landing 
his  troops  out  of  range,  as  evening  approached,  a  column 
of  attack  was  formed.  The  fire  of  the  fleet  reached  over 
one  hundred  immense  projectiles  per  minute.  The  garri- 
son was  rallied  to  the  line  of  the  palisades,  and  the  guns 
of  the  land  defences  being  nearly  intact,  if  that  storming 
column  had  reached  the  Fort,  hardly  a  man  would  have 
been  left  alive  to  tell  the  tale.  But  they  faltered  and 
broke,  and  the  advanced  line  threw  themselves  on  the 
sand  to  creep  out  of  fire.  They  re-embarked,  and  the  first 
battle  of  Fisher  was  over,  amid  the  rejoicing  of  the  Con- 
federates. Strange  to  say,  no  effort  had  been  made  by 
Bragg' s  troops;  he  had  not  even  ordered  an  attack  upon 
700  shivering  wretches  left  behind  by  their  comrades  on 
the  night  of  the  26th,  whose  condition  made  them  an  easy 
prey. 

Ten  thousand  shots  had  been  fired,  and  the  damage  to 
the  Fort  was  comparatively  little,  and  the  battle  had  been 
won  by  its  garrison  alone. 


40 


The  great  armada  steamed  northward  to  refit  and  take 
in  fresh  ammunition  and  more  troops.  General  Whiting 
asked  for  the  necessary  fixed  ammunition  for  the  guns  as 
1,272  shots  out  of  3,000,  had  left  a  dangerously  small  sup- 
ply, and  for  hand  grenades  to  be  used  on  the  ramparts, 
and  for  torpedoes  to  be  placed  in  the  anchorage  whither  the 
fleet  was  certain  to  return.  None  could  be  obtained.  Part 
of  his  veteran  artillerists  were  actually  withdrawn,  and 
new  troops  sent  in  without  experience. 

His  personal  unselfishness  was  so  great,  his  skill  so  emi- 
nent, his  bravery  so  cool  and  calm,  his  kindness  to  all  so 
unvaried,  that  his  troops  loved  him — in  the  words  of  Major 
Sloan,  his  Chief  of  Ordnance,  they  "almost  worshipped 
him!" 

In  the  midst  of  the  whirling  shells,  he  scarcely  removed 
his  pipe  from  his  mouth,  as  he  stood  upon  the  open  rampart 
spattered  from  the  bursting  shells.  Lieutenant  Hunter, 
of  the  Thirty-sixth,  writes  to  the  speaker: 

"  I  saw  him  stand  with  folded  arms,  smiling  upon  a  400-hundred  pound 
shell,  as  it  stood  smoking  and  spinning  like  a  billiard  ball  on  the  sand, 
not  twenty  feet  away,  until  it  burst,  and  then  move  quietly  away.  I  saw 
him  fifty  times  a  day — I  saw  him  fight,  and  saw  him  pray  ;  and  he  was 
all  that  a  General  should  be  in  battle.  He  was  the  best  equipped  man 
in  the  Confederate  States  to  defend  the  port  of  Wilmington,  and  his 
relief  by  Bragg  brought  gloom  over  the  entire  command." 

Time  fails  me  to  relate  the  details  of  the  great  battle  of 
the  13th,  14th  and  15th  of  January.  The  fleet  arrived  the 
night  of  the  12th,  and  early  next  day  began  the  rain  of 
projectiles,  increasing  in  fury  at  times  to  160  per  minute, 
and  directed  by  converging  fire  to  the  destruction  of  the 
guns  on  the  land  force  of  Fisher,  and  the  pounding  of 
the  northeast  salient  to  a  shapeless  ruin. 

Again  General  Whiting  came  to  the  Fort,  on  the  first 
day's  bombardment,  and  upon  his  entrance  he  said  to 
Lamb: 


41 


"I  have  come  to  share  your  fate,  my  boy.  You  are  to  be  sacrificed. 
The  last  thing  I  heard  Gen.  Bragg  say,  was  to  point  out  a  line  to  fall 
back  upon,  when  Fisher  fell." 

The  firing  never  ceased — all  day  and  all  night  long  the 
n-inch  and  15-inch  fiery  globes  rolled  along  the  parapet; 
the  palisades  were  cut  to  pieces,  the  wires  to  the  mines 
were  ploughed  up  in  the  deep  sands.  An  English  officer 
who  had  been  present  at  Sebastopol,  declared  it  was  but 
child  play  to  this  terrific  shaking  of  earth  and  sea,  by  a 
fleet  whose  broadside  could  throw  44,000  pounds  of  iron 
at  a  single  discharge. 

The  men  fought  on — their  quarters  having  been  burned, 
with  blankets  and  clothing — in  the  depth  of  winter,  with- 
out a  blanket  for  rest,  for  three  days,  with  cornmeal  coffee 
and  uncooked  rations — for  not  even  a  burial  party  could 
put  its  head  out  of  bombproof  without  casualties.  On  the 
evening  of  the  13th,  some  8,500  troops  landed  four  miles 
north,  in  the  language  of  their  commander,  as  if  at  some 
exciting  sport,  with  no  one  to  molest  them.  Throwing  up 
entrenchments  on  either  side,  they  began  an  approach  upon 
the  Fort,  which  no  longer  possessed  an  armament  of  great 
guns  on  that  face. 

Telegram  after  telegram  besought  General  Bragg  to 
attack;  but  his  troops  had  been  ordered  sixteen  miles  away 
for  an  idle  review,  and  when  they  were  in  position  again, 
he  refused  to  attack  the  two  brigades  of  negro  troops  which 
held  the  land  side,  though  urged  repeatedly  by  telegraph, 
which  was  out  of  the  enemy's  control! 

The  fire  suddenly  increased  to  inconceivable  fury  about 
3  p.  M.  of  the  15th,  and  the  air  was  hot  with  bursting 
shells.  All  at  once  there  was  ominous  silence,  and  the 
column  of  the  enemy,  of  t,6oo  picked  sailors  and  400 
marines,  under  the  flower  of  the  officers  of  the  Navy,  were 
seen  approaching  the  northeast  redan.  Whiting  and  Lamb 
rallied  their  gallant  band  upon  the  exposed  ramparts — the 


42 


struggle  was  terrible,  but  with  twenty-one  officers  killed 
and  wounded,  that  column  was  broken  to  pieces,  and  a 
sight  never  seen  in  the  world  before,  of  two  thousand 
United  States  Naval  troops  in  full  flight!  leaving  four 
hundred  on  the  sands,  and  their  commander,  Breese,  simi- 
lating  death  among  them,  to  escape  capture. 

But  alas,  two  battles  were  going  on  at  the  same  time! 
Half  a  mile  distant,  at  the  left  of  the  land  face,  Ames' 
division  had  assaulted,  through  the  gaps  in  the  palisades. 
Although,  by  the  Federal  accounts,  three  of  every  five 
who  reached  the  works  were  shot  down,  Major  Reilley's 
men  were  so  outnumbered  that  two  traverses  with  their 
gunchambers  were  taken. 

Just  as  the  Naval  attack  was  beaten  back,  Gen.  Whiting 
saw  the  Federal  flags  planted  on  those  traverses.  Calling 
on  the  troops  to  follow  him,  they  fought  hand-to-hand  with 
clubbed  muskets,  and  one  traverse  was  retaken.  Just  as 
he  was  climbing  the  other,  and  had  his  hand  upon  the 
Federal  flag  to  tear  it  down,  General  Whiting  fell,  receiv- 
ing two  wounds — one  very  severe  through  the  thigh. 

Meantime  Curtis'  troops — the  brigades  of  Bell,  Penny- 
packer  and  others — were  sent  forward  at  intervals  of  fifteen 
minutes,  swarming  into  the  entrance  gained,  and  their 
engineers  following  upon  their  steps,  threw  up  quickly  such 
works  as  made  it  impossible  for  the  thinned  ranks  of  the 
beseigers  to  drive  them  out. 

Colonel  Lamb  fell  with  a  desperate  wound  through  the 
hip,  a  half  hour  after  the  General;  yet  the  troops  fought 
on  hour  after  hour,  at  each  successive  traverse.  It  was 
the  struggle  of  North  Carolina  patriots.  Lamb,  in  the 
hospital,  found  voice  enough,  though  faint  unto  death,  to 
say,  "  I  will  not  surrender!"  and  Whiting,  lying  among 
the  Surgeons  near  by,  responded,  "Lamb,  if  you  die,  I 
will  assume  command,  and  I  will  never  surrender!" 

But  the  ammunition  had  given   out — the  Staff  and  the 


43 


brave  Chaplain,  McKinnon,  had  emptied  the  cartridge- 
boxes  of  the  dead,  under  fire,  and  brought  in  blankets  such 
scanty  supply  of  cartridges  as  could  be  found.  The  wintry 
night  set  in,  and  four  hours  thereafter  those  glorious  sons 
of  Carolina  fought,  until  a  little  after  9  P.  M. 

The  garrison  retired  to  Battery  Buchanan,  taking  their 
wounded  officers;  and  its  two  heavy  guns,  uninjured,  might 
have  kept  the  land  force  at  bay  until  they  could  have  em- 
barked in  boats,  but  Lieutenant  Chapman  of  the  Navy  had 
spiked  his  guns  and  taken  himself  away,  with  all  the  boats, 
(by  whose  order  is  not  known);  and  thus  the  garrison  was 
left  to  its  fate. 

It  has  been  declared  to  be  the  glory  of  the  army  of  Lee, 
that  it  placed  hors  du  combat  as  many  men  of  Grant's 
army  in  the  campaign  of  the  Wilderness  as  equalled  its 
own  numbers. 

What,  then,  shall  we  say  of  the  heroic  band  at  Fisher? 
Colonel  Lamb  says,  with  burning  eloquence: 

"I  had  half  a  mile  of  laud-face,  and  one  mile  of  sea-face  to  defend 
with  1,900  men.  I  knew  every  company  present  and  its  strength.  This 
number  included  the  killed,  wounded  and  sick.  If  the  Federal  reports 
claim  that  our  killed,  wounded  and  prisoners  showed  more,  it  is  because 
they  credited  my  force  with  those  captured  outside  the  works,  who  were 
never  under  my  command. 

"To  capture  Fort  Fisher,  the  enemy  lost,  by  their  own  statement, 
1,445  killed,  wounded  and  missing.  Nineteen  hundred  Confederates, 
with  44  guns,  contending  against  10,000  men  on  shore  (8,500  of  the 
army,  and  2,000  of  the  navy),  and  600  heavy  guns  afloat,  killing  and 
wounding  almost  as  many  of  the  enemy  as  there  were  soldiers  in  the 
fort,  and  not  surrendering  until  the  last  shot  was  expended. 

"When  I  recall  this  magnificent  struggle,  unsurpassed  in  ancient  or 
modern  warfare,  and  remember  the  devoted  patriotism  and  heroic  cour- 
age of  my  garrison,  I  feel  proud  to  know  that  I  have  North  Carolina 
blood  coursing  through  my  veins,  and  I  confidently  believe  that  the 
time  will  come  with  the  Old  North  State,  when  her  people  will  regard 
her  defence  of  Fort  Fisher,  as  the  grandest  event  in  her  historic  past." 

Let  us  declare  to-day  that  the  hour  has  come  when  no 
base  slander  shall  longer  deface  the  fair  fame  of  the  Caro- 
linians at  Fisher. 


44 


Adjutant  General  Towle,  of  Terry's  (U.  S.)  array,  in 
narrating  these  events,  says: 

"Through  the  whole  evening,  until  long  after  darkness  closed  in, 
they  had  offered  the  most  stubborn  defence.  Never  did  soldiers  display 
more  desperate  bravery  and  brilliant  valor.  With  their  leaders,  Whit- 
ing and  Lamb,  both  disabled  with  wounds,  and  sadly  reduced  in  num- 
ber, well  foreseeing,  too,  the  fresh  force  to  be  brought  against  them — 
under  these  circumstances,  when  night  fell  upon  them,  with  no  hope  of 
relief,  they  gradually  abandoned  the  fort,  and  retreated  about  a  mile  to 
the  extreme  point  of  the  peninsula.  No  boats  had  been  collected  for 
the  emergency.  The  strong  tidal  currents  of  the  Cape  Fear  made  swim- 
ming impossible.  In  this  cul  de  sac,  they  awaited  the  captivity  closing 
upon  them.  It  was  10  o'clock  at  night  when  Abbott's  Brigade  completed 
the  occupation." 

President  Davis,  in  his  "Rise  and  Fall  of  the  Confeder- 
ate Government,"  says  of  this  event: 

"The  garrison  stood  bravely  to  their  guns,  and,  when  the  assault  was 
made,  fought  with  such  determined  courage  as  to  repulse  the  first  col- 
umn, and  obstinately  contended  with  another,  approaching  from  the 
land  side,  continuing  the  fight  long  after  they  had  got  into  the  fort. 

"  Finally,  overwhelmed  by  numbers,  and  after  the  fort  and  its  arma- 
ment had  been  mainly  destroyed,  I  believe,  by  a  bombardment  greater 
than  ever  before  concentrated  upon  a  fort,  the  remnant  of  the  garrison 
surrendered.  The  heroic  and  highly  gifted  Gen.  Whiting  was  mortally, 
and  the  gallant  commander  of  the  fort,  Col.  Lamb,  seriously  wounded." 

Two  days  and  a  night  the  wounded  suffered  before  they 
were  embarked  upon  the  steamer  which  conveyed  them  to 
their  Northern  prison. 

The  distinguished  head  of  the  Norfolk  Virginian,  M. 
Glennan  Esq.,  who  was  one  of  the  brave  boys  in  the  Fort, 
and  known  as  Sergeant  Glennan,  writes  to  the  speaker  as 
follows: 

"  I  never  saw  a  more  patient  sufferer  than  Gen.  Whiting.  His  wound 
was  most  painful,  yet  he  never  murmured,  never  complained,  and  was 
always  cheerful.  His  wants  were  attended  to  by  his  Chief  of  Staff, 
Major  Hill,  and  one  of  his  Aides,  a  Lieutenant,  whose  name  I  cannot 
recall.  I  attended  to  the  wants  of  Col.  Lamb,  and  as  an  illustration  of 
General  Whiting's  consideration,   and  his  gentleness  of  disposition,  I 


45 


remember  that,  seeing  that  I  was  greatly  fatigued  from  want  of  rest, 
he  directed  the  Lieutenant  to  '  Relieve  that  boy,  and  let  him  have  some 
rest,'  which  was  done,  and  I  enjoyed  a  long,  sweet  slumber,  which 
greatly  refreshed  me. 

"While  in  prison,  he  was  in  separate  quarters  from  other  prisoners, 
and  desired  to  know  how  they  were  getting  on.  He  got  permission  for 
me  to  visit  him,  after  a  little  incident  that  had  occurred  between  the 
Commanding  Officer  at  Governor's  Island  and  myself.  He  was  much 
pleased  with  it,  and  brevetted  m;  a  Lieutenant.  At  that  time  there  was 
every  indication  that  he  would  recover.  His  death  was  a  great  surprise 
— a  shock. 

"He  was  the  soul  of  honor;  none  braver,  none  more  gentle.  North 
Carolina  may  well  feel  proud  of  her  adopted  son." 

In  the  trying  hours,  previous  to  the  last  battle,  in  the 
extremity  of  his  anxiety  for  the  fate  of  the  Fort,  and  with 
it  that  of  Lee's  army,  and  the  cause,  he  telegraphed  the 
Secretary  of  War,  and  received  the  following  dispatch, 
which  places  the  responsibility  of  failure  where  it  belongs: 

"January  13,  1865,  Richmond,  Va. 
"  Gen.  W.  H.  C.  Whiting. 

"Your  superior  in  rank,  Gen.  Bragg,  is  charged  with  the  command 
and  defence  of  Wilmington.  J.  A.  Seddon, 

"  Secretary  of  War.''' 

The  following  is  the  official  report  of  Major  General 
Whiting  of  the  operations  of  January  15th: 

"Fort  Fisher,  January  18,  1865. 
"Gen.  R.  E.  Lee, 

"  Commanding  Armies  Confederate  States. 

"  General,  :  I  am  sorry  to  have  to  inform  you,  as  a  prisoner  of  war, 
of  the  taking  of  Fort  Fisher,  on  the  night  of  the  15th  instant,  after  an 
assault  of  unprecedented  fury,  both  by  sea  and  land,  lasting  from  Fri- 
day morning  until  Sunday  night. 

"On  Thursday  night,  the  enemy's  fleet  was  reported  off  the  fort.  On 
Friday  morning,  the  fleet  opened  very  heavily.  On  Friday  and  Satur- 
day, during  the  furious  bombardment  on  the  fort,  the  enemy  was  allowed 
to  land,  without  molestation,  and  to  throw  up  a  light  line  of  field-works, 
from  Battery  Ramseur  to  the  river,  thus  securing  his  position  from 
molestation,  and  making  the  fate  of  Fort  Fisher,  under  the  circum- 
stances, but  a  question  of  time. 

On  Sunday,  the  fire  on  the  fort  reached  a  pitch  of  fury  to  which  no 


46 


language  can  do  justice.  It  was  concentrated  on  the  land  face  and 
front.  In  a  short  time  nearly  every  gun  was  dismounted  or  disabled, 
and  the  garrison  suffered  severely  by  the  fire.  At  3  o'clock  the  enemy's 
land  force,  which  had  been  gradually  and  slowly  advancing,  formed  into 
two  columns  for  assault. 

"  The  garrison,  during  the  fierce  bombardment,  was  not  able  to  stand 
to  the  parapets,  and  many  of  the  reinforcements  were  obliged  to  be  kept 
at  a  great  distance  from  the  fort. 

"As  the  enemy  slackened  his  fire  to  allow  the  assault  to  take  place, 
the  men  hastily  manned  the  ramparts  and  gallantly  repulsed  the  right 
column  of  assault.  A  portion  of  the  troops,  on  the  left,  had  also  re- 
pelled the  first  rush  to  the  left  of  the  work.  The  greater  portion  of  the 
garrison,  being,  however,  engaged  on  the  right,  and  not  being  able  to 
man  the  entire  work,  the  enemy  succeeded  in  making  a  lodgment  on 
the  left  flank,  planting  two  of  his  regimental  flags  in  the  traverses. 
From  this  point,  we  could  not  dislodge  him,  though  we  forced  him  to 
take  down  his  flag,  from  the  fire  from  our  most  distant  guns,  our  own 
traverses  protecting  him  from  such  fire.  From  this  time  it  was  a  succes- 
sion of  fighting,  from  traverse  to  traverse,  and  from  line  to  line,  until  9 
o'clock  at  night,  when  we  were  overpowered,  and  all  resistance  ceased. 

The  fall,  both  of  the  General  and  the  Colonel  commanding  the  fort, 
one  about  4,  and  the  other  about  4 130  p.  m.  ,  had  a  perceptible  effect  upon 
the  men,  and  do  doubt  hastened  greatly  the  result;  but  we  were  over- 
powered, and  no  skill  or  gallantry  could  have  saved  the  place  after  he 
effected  a  lodgement,  except  attack  in  the  rear. 

"The  enemy's  loss  was  very  heavy,  and  so,  also,  was  our  own.  Of  the 
latter,  as  a  prisoner,  I  have  not  been  able  to  ascertain. 

"At  9  p.  M.,  the  gallant  Major  Reilly,  who  had  fought  the  fort,  after 
the  fall  of  his  superiors,  reported  the  enemy  in  possession  of  the  sally- 
port. The  brave  Captain  Van  Benthuysen,  of  marines,  though  himself 
badly  wounded,  with  a  squad  of  his  men,  picked  up  the  General  and 
Colonel,  and  endeavored  to  make  way  to  Battery  Buchanan,  followed  by 
Reilly,  with  the  remnant  of  the  forces.  On  reaching  there  it  was  found 
to  be  evacuated  ;  by  whose  orders  or  what  authority,  I  know  not;  no 
boats  were  there.  The  garrison  of  Bbrt  Fisher  had  been  coolly  aban- 
doned to  its  fate. 

"  Thus  fell  Fort  Fisher,  after  three  days'  battle,  uuparallelled  in  the 
annals  of  the  war.  Nothing  was  left  but  to  await  the  approach  of  the 
enemy,  who  took  us  about  10  o'clock  p.  M.  The  fleet  surpassed  its  tre- 
mendous efforts  in  the  previous  attack. 

"The  fort  has  fallen  in  precisely  the  manner  indicated  so  often  by 
by  myself,  and  to  which  your  attention  has  been  so  frequently  called, 
and  in  the  presence  of  the  ample  force  provided  by  you  to  meet  the 
contingenc)7. 

"The  fleet  never  attempted  to  enter  until  after  the  land  force  had  done 


47 


its  work,  and,  of  course,  unless  the  supporting  force  played  its  part, 
Fort  Fisher  must  have  fallen.  Making  every  allowance  for  the  extra- 
ordinary vigor  and  force  of  the  enemy's  assault,  and  the  terrific  effect 
of  the  fire  of  the  fleet  upon  the  garrison,  and  the  continual  and  inces- 
sant enfilading  of  the  whole  point  from  Battery  Buchanan  to  the  Fort, 
thereby  preventing,  to  a  great  extent,  the  movement  of  my  troops,  I 
think  that  the  result  might  have  been  avoided,  and  Fort  Fisher  still 
held,  if  the  commanding  General  had  done  his  duty. 

"  I  charge  him  with  this  loss  ;  with  neglect  of  duty,  in  this,  that  he 
either  refused  or  neglected  to  carry  out  any  suggestion  made  to  him,  in 
official  communications  by  me,  for  the  disposition  of  the  troops,  and 
especially  that  he,  failing  to  appreciate  the  lesson  to  be  derived  from 
the  previous  attempt  of  Butler,  instead  of  keeping  his  troops  in  the 
position  to  attack  the  enemy  on  his  appearance,  he  moves  them  twenty 
miles  from  the  point  of  landing,  in  spite  of  repeated  warning. 

"  He  might  have  learned  from  his  failure  to  interrupt  either  the  land- 
ing or  the  embarking  of  Butler,  for  two  days,  with  his  troops,  though 
disgraceful  enough,  would  indicate  to  the  enemy  that  he  would  have 
the  same  security  for  an}'  future  expedition.  The  previous  failure  was 
due  to  Fort  Fisher  alone,  and  not  to  any  of  the  supporting  troops. 

"I  charge  him,  further,  with  making  no  effort  whatever  to  create  a 
diversion,  in  favor  of  the  beleagured  garrison,  during  the  three  days' 
battle,  by  attacking  the  enemy  ;  though  that  was  to  be  expected,  since 
his  delay  and  false  disposition,  allowed  the  enemy  to  secure  his  rear  by 
works — but  works  of  no  strength.  I  desire  that  a  full  investigation  be 
had  of  this  matter,  and  these  charges  which  I  make  ;  they  will  be  fullv 
borne  out  by  the  official  records. 

"I  have  only  to  add,  that  the  Commanding  General,  on  learning  of 
the  approach  of  the  enemy,  would  give  me  no  orders  whatever  ;  and  per- 
sistently refused,  from  the  beginning,  to  allow  me  to  have  anything  to 
do  with  the  troops  from  Gen.  Lee's  army.  I  consequently  repaired  to 
Fort  Fisher,  as  the  place  where  my  own  sense  of  duty  called  me. 

"I  am,  General,  very  respectfully, 

"  Your  obedient  servant, 

"  W.  H.  C.  Whiting, 
"  Major  General,  {prisoner  of  zvar)." 

"  Hospital,  Fort  Columbus,  Govenror's  Island, 

"  New  York  Harbor,  February  19,  1865. 
"The  above  is  an  exact  copy  of  the  dispatch  dictated  to  Major  Hill, 
in  the  hospital  at  Fort  Fisher  (and  preserved  in  his  note-book)  on  the 
iSth  January,  1865,  and  which  I  intended  to  have  endeavored  to  for- 
ward at  that  time  by  flag  of  truce,  and  accordingly  made  a  request  of 
Gen.  Terry.  On  his  reply,  that  it  would  be  necessary  to  refer  it  to  Lieut. 
Gen.  Grant,  I  concluded  to  postpone  the  report.     I  wish  to  add  a  few 


48 


remarks  upon  the  difference  between  the  two  attacks,  and  also  give 
some  information  which  I  have  acquired.  Had  the  enemy  assaulted 
the  work  on  the  first  attack  he  would  have  been  beaten  off  with  great 
slaughter. 

"The  fire  of  the  fleet  on  that  occasion,  though  ver^severe  and  formida- 
ble, was  very  diffuse  and  scattered,  seemingly  more  designed  to  render 
a  naval  entrance  secure,  than  a  land  attack,  consequently  our  defense 
was  but  slightly  damaged.  We  had  nineteen  guns  bearing  on  the  as- 
sault, and  above  all,  the  palisade  was  almost  as  good  as  new.  Moreover, 
the  fleet,  during  the  first  bombardment,  hauled  off  at  night,  giving  the 
garrison  time  for  rest,  cooking,  and  refreshment.  It  is  remarkable, 
that  during  the  first  bombardment,  no  gun's  crew  was  ever  driven  from 
its  gun;  but  on  the  13th  and  14th  January,  the  fleet  stationed  itself  with 
the  definite  object  of  destroying  the  land  defence  by  direct  and  enfilade 
fire  ;  the  latter,  a  feu  d%  enfilement  to  knock  down  the  traverses,  destroy- 
ing all  guns  and  pound  the  northeast  salient  into  a  practicable  slope  for 
the  assaulting  column. 

"By  12  M.  Sunday,  not  a  gun  remained  on  the  land  front.  The  palisade 
was  entirely  swept  away,  and  the  mines  in  advance,  so  deeply  did  the 
enemy's  shot  plough,  were  isolated  from  the  wires,  and  could  not  be 
used.  Not  a  man  could  show  his  head  in  that  infernal  storm,  and  I 
could  only  keep  a  lookout  in  the  safest  position  to  inform  me  of  the 
movements  of  the  enemy. 

"  Contrary  to  previous  practice,  the  enemy  kept  up  the  fire  all  night. 
Cooking  was  impracticable.  The  men,  in  great  part,  in  Fisher  at  the 
second  attack,  were  not  those  of  the  first,  and  were  much  more  demor- 
alized. The  casualties  were  greater,  with  but  one  ration  for  three  days. 
Such  was  the  condition  when  the  parapets  were  manned  on  the  enemy's 
ceasing  firing  for  assault. 

"As  soon  as  a  lodgment  was  made  at  Shepherd's  battery  on  the  left,  the 
engineers  at  once  threw  up  a  strong  covering-work  in  rear  of  Fisher, 
and  no  effort  of  ours,  against  overwhelming  numbers  could  dislodge 
them. 

"Then  was  the  time  for  the  supporting  force,  which  was  idly  looking 
on  only  three  miles  off  (which  could  see  the  columns  on  the  beach),  to 
have  made  an  attack  upon  the  rear  of  the  assaulting  columns  ;  at  any 
rate,  to  have  tried  to  save  Fort  Fisher,  while  the  garrison  had  hurled  an 
assaulting  column,  crippled,  back,  and  were  engaged,  for  six  hours, 
with  five  thousand  men  vigorously  assaulting  it. 

"Gen.  Bragg  was  held  in  check  by  two  brigades  of  colored  troops, 
along  a  line  of  no  impediment  whatever.  Once  at  this  line,  by  the  river 
bank  with  his  three  batteries  of  artillery,  and  his  whole  force  steadily 
advancing,  the  enemy's  fleet  could  not  have  fired  again,  without  hurting 
their  own  men.  The  enemy  had  not  a  single  piece  of  artillery  ;  alto- 
gether about  seven  or  eight  thousand  men. 


49 


"Pushing  our  batteries  to  Camp  Wyatt  aud  Col.  Lamb's  headquarters, 
and  opening  heavily  on  Shepherd's  Battery,  with  an  advance  of  our 
troops,  and  such  of  the  enemy  as  could  not  have  escaped  in  boats,  must 
have  fallen  into  our  hands  ;  but  it  was  not  to  be. 

"  I  went  into  the  fort  with  the  conviction  that  it  was  to  be  sacrificed, 
for  the  last  I  heard  Gen.  Bragg  say,  was  to  point  out  a  line  to  fall  back 
on,  if  Fort  Fisher  fell.  In  all  his  career  of  failure  and  defeat,  from  Pen- 
sacola  out,  there  has  been  no  such  shame  incurred,  and  no  such  stupen- 
dous disaster. 

"  Wounded,  in  the  hospital,  with  mortification  at  the  shameful  haste, 
I  heard  the  blowing  up  of  Fort  Caswell,  before  the  enemy  had  dared  to 
enter  the  harbor. 

"I  demand,  in  justice  to  the  country,  to  the  army,  and  to  myself,  that 
the  course  of  this  officer  be  investigated.  Take  his  notorious  congratu- 
latory order,  No.  i4  (17),  with  its  numerous  errors,  and  compare  his  lan- 
guage with  the  result.  I  do  not  know  what  he  was  sent  to  Wilmington 
for.  I  had  hoped  that  I  was  considered  competent ;  I  acquiesced  with 
feelings  of  great  mortification.  My  proper  place  was  in  command  of 
the  troops  you  sent  to  support  the  defence ;  then  I  should  not  now  be  a 
prisoner,  and  an  effort,  at  least,  would  have  been  made  to  save  the  har- 
bor, on  which  I  had  expended  for  two  years,  all  the  labor  and  skill  I 
had.  I  should  not  have  had  the  mortification  of  seeing  works,  which 
our  very  foes  admire,  yielding  after  four  days'  attack,  given  up  and 
abandoned  without  even  an  attempt  to  save  them. 

"  I  am,  General,  very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

"  Major  General  W.  H.  C.  Whiting." 

The  following  letter  is  the  last  expression  of  Gen.  Whiting 
on  the  subject-matter  of  these  reports: 

' '  To  the  Editor  of  the  Times : 

"  The  enclosed  is  a  copy  of  a  fragmentary  letter  commenced  by  Whit- 
ing to  me,  and  which  he  wrote  lying  on  his  back  in  the  hospital,  the  day 
before  he  died.  He  did  not  have  the  strength  to  finish  or  sign  it.  It 
was  given  to  me  after  my  return  from  Europe,  having  been  found  by 
the  surgeon  and  preserved.  I  was  in  England,  having  access  to  the 
London  journals,  and  Whiting  desired  me,  as  a  friend,  to  vindicate  his 
reputation.  I  do  so  now,  for  if  there  ever  was  a  noble  and  gallant  fel- 
low, true  to  his  friends  and  true  to  his  convictions  of  duty,  it  was  W.  H. 
C.  Whiting.  "  Very  respectfully, 

"  Louisvitle,  Ky.,Jtdy  6,  1880.  r  "BunTon  Duncan." 

"Hospital,  GfcyAT  Island,  March  2,  1865. 
"  Colonel  Blanton  Duncan. 

"  My  Dear  Duncan  :  I  am  very  glad  to  hear  from  you  on  my  bed  of 

4 


50 


suffering.  I  see  the  papers  have  put  you  in  possession  of  something  of 
what  has  been  going  on.  That  I  am  here,  and  that  Wilmington  and 
Fisher  are  gone,  is  due  wholly  and  solely  to  the  incompetency,  the  im- 
becility and  the  pusillanimity  of  Braxton  Bragg,  who  was  sent  to  spy 
upon  and  supersede  me  about  two  weeks  before  the  attack.  He  could 
have  taken  every  one  of  the  enemy,  but  he  was  afraid. 

"  After  the  fleet  stopped  its  infernal  stream  of  Are  to  let  the  assault- 
ing column  come  on,  we  fought  them  six  hours,  from  traverse  to  tra- 
verse and  from  parapet  to  parapet,  6,000  of  them.  All  that  time  Bragg 
was  within  two  and  a  half  miles,  with  6,000  of  Lee's  best  troops,  three 
batteries  of  artillery  and  1,500  reserves.  The  enemy  had  no  artillery  at 
all.  Bragg  was  held  in  check  by  two  negro  brigades,  while  the  rest  of 
the  enemy  assaulted,  and  he  didn't  even  fire  a  musket. 

"  I  fell  severely  wounded,  two  balls  in  right  leg,  about  4  p.  M.;  Lamb 
a  little  later,  dangerously  shot  in  the  hip.  Gallant  old  Reilly  continued 
the  fight  hand  to  hand  until  9  p.  m.,  when  we  were  overpowered. 

"Of  all  Bragg's  mistakes  and  failures,  from  Pensacola  out,  this  is  the 
climax.  He  would  not  let  me  have  anything  to  do  with  Lee's  troops. 
The  fight  was  very  desperate  and  bloody.     There  was  no  surrender. 

"The  fire  of  the  fleet  is  beyond  description.  No  language  can  des- 
cribe that  terriffic  bombardment.  One  hundred  and  forty-three  shots  a 
minute  for  twenty-four  hours.  My  traverses  stood  it  nobly,  but  by  the 
direct  fire  they  were  enabled  to  bring  upon  the  land  front,  they  suc- 
ceeded in  knocking  down  my  guns  there. 

"  I  was  very  kindly  treated  and  with  great  respect  by  all  of  them. 

"I  see  that  the  fall  of  Fisher  has  attracted  some  discussion  in  the 
public  prints  in  London.  So  clever  a  fellow  as  Captain  Cowper  Coles. 
R.  N.,I  ought  not  to  take  Admiral  Porter's  statement  and  reports  au 
pied  de  leltre,  and  he  ought  to  be  disabused  before  building  theories  on 
what  he  accepts  as  facts,  and  which  are  simply  bosh. 

"  The  fight  at  Fisher  was  in  no  sense  of  the  word  a  test  for  the  moni- 
tor Monadnock  (over  which  Porter  makes  such  sounding  brags),  or  of 
any  other  monitor  or  ironclad." 

It  is  possible  that  under  more  favorable  circumstances, 
the  wounds  of  General  Whiting  might  not  have  proved 
mortal,  but  the  transfer  in  the  depth  of  winter  to  the  bleak 
climate  of  New  York,  the  confinement  in  the  damp  case- 
ment of  Fort  Columbus,  on  Governor's  Island,  and  the 
natural  depression  that  lowers  the  vitality  of  a  prisoner  of 
war  gradually  proved  too  much  for  a  constitution  worn  by 
great  fatigue  and  anxiety. 

As  weakness  increased,  and  the  shadow  of  the  inevitable 


51 


approached,  he  met  it  with  the  fortitude  of  his  whole  life — 
with  humility  before  God,  with  perfect  dignity  and  serenity 
towards  men.     The  Post  Chaplain  writes: 

"  I  have  seldom  stood  by  a  death-bed  where  there  was  so  gratifying  a 
manifestation  of  humble  Christian  faith.  *  *  *  I  asked  him  if  he 
would  like  to  see  some  of  the  religious  papers.  He  said  '  No,  that  they 
were  so  bitter  in  their  tone,  he  preferred  the  Bible  alone;  that  was  enough 
for  him.'  He  partook  of  the  holy  communion,  at  his  own  request,  in 
private,  on  the  Sunday  afternoon  before  his  death.  *  *  *  That  was 
very  sudden  to  all  here,  but  it  was  a  Christian's  death,  the  death  of  the 
trustful,  hopeful  soul." 

With  a  mother  and  two  sisters  in  Hartford,  and  a  brother 
in  New  York,  no  regret  ever  escaped  his  lips  or  sigh  from 
his  heart,  that  he  had  drawn  his  sword  for  the  constitu- 
tional rights  of  the  State  in  which  he  was  born,  the  people 
among  whom  he  had  spent  his  life,  and  for  distant  North 
Carolina,  whose  Governor  had  confided  her  defences  to 
him,  and  for  whose  honor  and  glory  he  was  about  to  lay 
down  his  life,  with  the  innumerable  army  of  martyrs. 

History  tells  us  that  the  British,  struck  with  the  hero- 
ism of  Lawrence,  who  cried,  "Don't  give  up  the  ship!"  as 
he  was  taken  below  with  a  mortal  wound,  gave  to  the 
remains  of  their  enemy  profound  funeral  honors  at  Halifax, 
in  token  of  admiration  and  respect. 

It  is  too  much  to  expect  that  in  the  throes  of  the  great 
War  between  the  States,  the  guns  of  the  fortress  that  had 
been  his  prison  while  alive,  should  have  saluted  his  cold 
ashes  as  they  were  borne  away;  and  yet,  rarely,  if  ever,  in 
all  that  struggle,  was  there  such  a  demonstration  of  sym- 
pathetic regard  and  profound  respect  at  the  burial  of  a 
prisoner  of  war. 

The  New  York  Daily  News  of  March  13,  1865,  has  the 
following: 

"One  of  the  most  prominent  matters  in  which  Christian  civilization 
differs  from  that  which  obtained  under  the  rule  of  Paganism,  is  the 
administration  of  the  rights  of  sepulchre  to  the  remains  of  a  deceased 
enemy. 


52 


"  The  superiority  of  the  former  over  the  latter,  was  very  noticeable 
on  the  occasion  of  the  obsequies  on  Saturday,  at  Trinity  Church,  of  the 
late  Major  General  W.  H.  C.  Whiting,  who  was  wounded  at  the  taking 
of  Fort  Fisher,  being  in  command  of  that  garrison,  transferred  on  his 
arrival  here  to  Governor's  Island,  as  a  prisoner  of  war,  and  who  died  of 
his  wounds,  in  the  Military  Hospital  there,  on  Friday  last. 

"  A  very  large  concourse  of  people  was  present,  and  the  profoundest 
respect  was  paid  to  the  deceased,  and  his  sorrowing  relatives  and  friends. 
Gen.  Beale  (the  agent  in  this  city  for  supplying  the  Confederacy  with  sol- 
diers' blankets  in  exchange  for  cotton),  with  five  other  intimate  friends 
of  the  deceased  General,  most  of  whom  are  paroled  Confederate  offi- 
cers, acted  as  pall-bearers  on  the  occasion.  Several  Federal  officers,  in 
uniform,  were  in  attendance  at  the  obsequies. "  [The  pall-bearers  were 
General  Beall,  of  the  Confederate  service,  and  Gen.  Stone,  Major  Trow- 
bridge, Major  Prime  and  Lieut.  Mowry,  of  the  United  States  service,  and 
Mr.  S.  L.  Merchant— C.  B.  D.]  "The  Rev.  Dr.  Morgan  Dix,  Rector  of 
Trinity,  was  the  officiating  minister,  assisted  by  Rev.  Dr.  Ogilvie. 

"The  corpse  of  the  deceased  was  brought  from  Governor's  Island 
about  12:30  o'clock  on  Saturday  morning,  and  placed  in  the  vestibule 
of  Trinity,  where,  for  half  an  hour,  the  friends  and  relatives  were 
allowed  to  view  the  features  of  the  late  General. 

"The  body  was  embalmed,  and  on  the  coffin  lid  were  laid  beautiful 
floral  offerings  of  natural  camellias,  in  the  shape  of  a  cross  and  a  heart. 
The  face  of  the  deceased  was  of  the  handsomest  and  most  manly  char- 
acter. The  coffin  was  rosewood,  silver-mounted,  and  the  breast-plate 
bore  the  following  inscription  : 

"  MAJOR  GENERAL  W.  H.  C.  WHITING,  C.  S.  A." 

"  born  in  the  state  of  mississippi." 

"Died  on  Governor's  Island,  New  York  Harbor," 

"  March  10,  1865." 

.  "  Aged  40  years,  11  months  and  18  days." 

"  After  it  had  been  closed,  lady  friends  of  the  deceased  placed  upon  the 
lid  beautiful  two  crosses  of  white  camellias,  fringed  with  evergreen, 
and  a  wreath  of  the  same. 

"Shortly  after  1  o'clock,  Drs.  Dix  and  Ogilvie  began  the  solemn  ser- 
vice, in  accordance  with  the  prescribed  ritual  of  the  Episcopal  Church. 
The  coffin  was  then  placed  in  front  of  the  altar,  and  as  it  was  borne  up 
the  aisle,  an  incident  that  attracted  some  attention,  was  the  placing  upon 
the  coffin,  by  a  young  lady,  of  a  beautiful  cluster  of  camellias,  bound 
with  a  black  ribbon. 

"  After  the  usual  services,  the  prayer  of  the  commitment  was  read  by 
Dr.  Dix,  at  the  foot  of  the  coffin. 

"  After  the  benediction,  the  body  was  borne  to  the  waiting  hearse,  and 
the  solemn  cortege  of  carriages  passed  down  Broadway  en  route  to  Green- 
wood, where  the  remains  were  placed  in  a  receiving  vault." 


53 


The  following  obituary  appeared  in  a  North  Carolina 
paper: 

"  '  Nihil  quod  erat,  non  tetigit ;  nihil  quod  letigil,  non  ornaz'it.' 

"The  death  of  Major  General  Whiting  deserves  more  than  a  passing 
notice.  Born  in  a  garrison,  the  son  of  an  eminent  officer  of  the  old 
army,  a  graduate,  with  distinguished  honor,  of  the  first  military  school 
on  this  continent,  he  was  peculiarly  qualified,  by  education  and  associa- 
tion, to  render  his  country  marked  service. 

"Constantly  on  active  and  varied  duty,  whilst  an  officer  of  the  United 
States  army,  he  was  enabled,  by  experience,  to  improve  a  mind  already 
well  practiced  in  his  profession,  and  cultivate  a  taste  for  that  arm,  of 
which,  at  an  early  age,  he  was  regarded  as  a  brilliant  ornament.  Upon 
secession,  he  promptly  resigned  his  commission,  and  offering  his  ser- 
vices to  the  Provisional  Government  at  Montgomery,  was  appointed 
Major  of  Engineers  in  the  regular  Confederate  army. 

"Assigned  as  Chief  Engineer  Officer  at  Charleston,  his  engineering 
skill  was  recognized  as  of  essential  benefit  in  the  operations  which 
reduced  Fort  Sumter. 

"Transferred  to  Virginia,  he  was  selected  by  Gen.  J.  E.  Johnston  as 
Chief  of  Staff,  and,  after  the  first  battle  of  Manassas,  received  the  mer- 
ited promotion  to  the  rank  of  Brigadier  General. 

"  The  commander  of  a  splendid  division  in  the  Army  of  Northern 
Virginia,  he  served  in  the  campaigns  of  1861  and  1862  with  conspicuous 
credit.  In  the  seven  days'  battles  around  Richmond,  his  command  did 
gallant  service,  contributing  in  a  large  measure  to  our  successes.  The 
ability  evinced  by  General  Whiting  in  the  disposition  on  that  occasion 
and  handling  of  his  troops,  combined  with  his  coolness  and  self-posses- 
sion, elicited  the  highest  praise  ;  the  President  himself,  an  eye-witness, 
bearing  cheerful  testimony  to  his  worth  and  valor. 

"  But  it  was  not  in  the  field  only,  that  General  Whiting's  abilities  and 
talents  were  displayed.  Assigned  to  the  command  of  the  defences  of 
the  Cape  Fear,  he  exhibited,  in  the  works  which  constituted  those  de- 
fences, a  genius  and  skill  as  an  engineer  which  won  the  unstinted  praise 
of  every  military  judge — praise  that  was  even  accorded  by  the  enemy. 

"  His  administrative  capacity  was  of  the  highest  order — a  perception 
wonderfully  quick;  familiar  with  all  the  details  of  his  command,  thereby 
conversant  with  its  wants  ;  always  accessible  ;  prompt  in  the  dispatch 
of  business  ;  firm,  yet  courteous,  in  his  intercourse  ;  reconciling,  with 
unusual  facility,  conflicting  interests  ;  establishing  with  great  success, 
regulations  for  a  trade  requiring  commercial,  rather  than  a  military 
knowledge  ;  harmonizing  the  civil  and  military  authority  in  his  depart- 
ment, he  possessed  the  entire  confidence  of  the  community  in  which  he 
was  stationed, 

"  Placed  in  a  subordinate  position  in  the  department  which  he  had 
so  long  and  ably  commanded,  and  the  successful  defence  of  which  was 


54 


his  hope  and  pride,  he  was  doomed  to  witness  the  great  disaster  of  the 
war,  unable,  by  protest  or  remonstrance,  to  change  the  tactics  which, 
in  his  opinion,  induced  the  fall  of  Wilmington. 

"In  command  of  Fort  Fisher,  sharing  the  privations  and  dangers  of 
its  garrison,  twice  wounded  in  leading  it  against  the  assaults  of  the 
enemy,  captured  with  his  troops,  he  died  a  prisoner,  cut  off  from  those 
kindnesses  which  affection  can  only  prompt,  and  love  alone  offer. 

"General  Whiting  possessed  those  rare  personal  qualities  most  to  be 
appreciated,  in  the  intimate  associations  and  familiar  intercourse  of  pri- 
vate life. 

"Unpretending  in  the  observance  of  the  duties  of  the  church,  of 
which  he  was  a  strict  communicant ;  aiming  to  be  just,  without  fear  and 
without  prejudice  ;  sincere  in  his  friendships  ;  frank,  generous,  who 
'felt  a  dream  of  meanness  like  a  stain  ';  his  character  was  the  embodi- 
ment of  truth  and  honor. 

"Of  the  noble  sacrifices  made  for  the  cause,  of  the  gallant  dead  who 
have  fallen  in  its  defence,  the  name  of  none  will  be  more  inseparably 
interwoven  with  its  history  than  that  of  William  Henry  Chase  Whiting. 

'"  How  sweet  his  sleep  beneath  the  dewy  sod, 
Who  dies  for  fame,  his  country,  and  his  God.'  " 

One  who  served  under  him,  describes  him  thus: 

"I  always  thought  him  a  very  handsome  man — commandingly  hand- 
some. He  was  not  tall,  but  he  possessed  a  striking  carriage.  He  was 
well  put  together,  compact,  well-formed,  sinew)'.  His  face  was  strik- 
ingly handsome.  His  head  was  shapely,  and  hair  thick  and  iron-gray. 
He  was  an  ideal  soldier  and  commander." 

Says  Major  Benjamin  Sloan,  Chief  of  Ordnance,  in  a 
recent  letter  to  Major  Fairly,  of  the  General's  Staff,  and 
now  Colonel  J.  S.  Fairly,  of  Charleston: 

"I  wish  I  could  find  words  to  express  my  admiration  for  the  man,  for 
the  soldier,  whom  the  men  in  the  Department  of  Wilmington  loved, 
trusted,  honored — yea,  worshipped.  His  military  perceptions  were  so 
clear,  his  nerve  so  steady,  and  his  hand  so  vigorous,  that  under  his  di- 
rection we  all  felt  absolutely  secure.  A  skilled  engineer,  he  had  left 
nothing  undone  for  the  defence  of  the  Cape  Fear,  and  if  on  the  night 
that  Fisher  fell,  Whiting  could  only  have  been  on  the  outside,  in  com- 
mand, with  the  troops  that  stood  idly  by,  and  saw  Ames  from  the  land 
side  overpower  the  little  garrison,  a  very  different  story  would  now  be 
history. 

"  Once,  in  Virginia,  I  was  sent  by  my  commanding  officer  to  General 
Lee,  bearing  a  note  of  complaint  (and  with  good  reason),  that  he  had 


55 


been,  by  Gen.  Lee's  order,  improperly  subordinated  to  others  ;  and  I 
remember  Lee's  endorsement  upon  the  note,  in  substance  :  '  What  do 
you  care  about  rank  ?     I  would  serve  under  a  Corporal,  if  necessary.' 

"General  Whiting  did  the  thing  which  Gen.  Lee  said  he  would  do. 
Without  a  murmer,  giving  up  the  command  of  the  defences,  which  he 
had  so  magnificently  planned,  he  went  down  into  Fort  Fisher,  where 
the  presence  of  such  a  gallant  commander  as  Colonel  Lamb,  made  it 
unneccessary,  and  gave  up  his  life  in  its  defence. 

' '  The  peer  of  any  one  in  intellect,  he  died  as  he  had  lived — the  modest, 
Christian  gentleman,  the  lovely  man,  the  brave,  unflinching  soldier.  I 
think  his  death  was  sublime. 

"The  last  time  that  I  ever  saw  Gen.  Whiting,  was  on  the  boat  which 
carried  him  for  the  last  time  to  Fort  Fisher.  I  had  followed  him  down 
to  the  landing,  and  had  just  stepped  from  the  gang-plank  to  the  deck, 
when  he  spied  me.  '  Where  are  you  going?  '  he  said.  '  With  you,'  was 
my  reply.  'You  must  go  back,'  said  he:  'You  can  serve  me  better 
here  than  in  Fort  Fisher.'  With  a  heavy  heart  I  went  ashore,  and  stood 
watching  him  while  I  could  see  him.  With  Whiting  penned  up  in 
Fisher,  our  faith  was  badly  shaken. 

"I  believe,  Fairly,  that  there  are  not  many  of  us  left  who  used  to 
assemble  in  headquarters,  on  the  corner  of  the  main  street,  in  Wilming- 
ton. In  spite  of  the  stirring  war  times  then,  my  life  was  full  of  hope, 
and  I  recall  many  and  many  a  happy  hour  I  spent  in  your  company  in 
the  little  cottage  under  the  shadow  of  the  City  Hall." 

Page  after  page  might  be  multiplied  with  one  and  the 
same  testimony  from  glorious  heroes  who  served  under 
him;  they  all  speak  the  language  of  devotion,  of  venera- 
tion for  his  matchless  power,  and  of  the  strong  manly  love 
in  true  souls  for  the  chivalric  quality  of  self-sacrifice. 

With  an  exquisite  illustration  of  this  grace  so  tender,  I 
bring  this  review  to  a  close,  conscious  in  the  light  of  my 
own  remembrance  of  his  princely  soul,  of  how  far  this  por- 
traiture falls  short  of  the  embodiment  of  his  moral  and 
mental  grandeur. 

The  incident  referred  to  is  this.  Sergeant  Glennan 
writes  to  the  speaker: 

"At  headquarters  there  was  a  detail  of  couriers,  consisting  of  youths 
from  16  to  18  years.  They  were  the  bravest  boys  that  I  have  ever  seen. 
Their  courage  was  magnificent  ;  they  were  on  the  go  all  the  time,  car- 
rying orders  and  messages  to  every  part  of  the  fort. 


56 


"Among  them  was  a  boy  named  Murphy,  a  delicate  stripling.  He 
was,  I  think,  from  Duplin  County,  the  son  of  Mr.  Patrick  Murphy,  I 
think,  and  brother  of  Dr.  Murphy,  of  the  Morganton  Asylum.  The 
former  was  a  citizen  of  Wilmington  for  many  years  after  the  war,  and 
a  true  son  of  the  'Lost  Cause.'  He  and  I  were  intimate  friends  and 
companions.  He  had  been  called  upon  a  number  of  times  to  carry 
orders,  and  had  just  returned  from  one  of  his  trips,  I  think  to  Battery 
Buchanan.  The  bombardment  had  been  terrific,  and  he  seemed  very 
exhausted  and  agitated.  After  reporting,  he  came  to  me,  and  tears  were 
in  his  eyes,  'Sergeant',  he  said,  '  I  have  no  fear  personally  ;  morally  I 
have,  because  I  do  not  think  I  am  the  Christian  I  ought  to  be.  This  is 
my  only  fear  of  death.' 

"  And  then  he  was  called,  to  carry  another  order.  He  slightly 
wavered,  and  Gen.  Whiting  saw  the  emotion,  'Come  on,  my  boy,'  he 
said,  '  don't  fear  ;  I'll  go  with  you.'  And  he  went  off  with  the  courier, 
and  accompanied  him  to  and  from  the  point  where  he  had  to  deliver  the 
order.  It  was  to  one  of  the  most  dangerous  positions,  and  over  almost 
unprotected  ground.  The  boy  and  the  General  were  companions  on  the 
trip,  and  they  returned  safely.  There  was  no  agitation  after  that  on  the 
part  of  my  companion. 

That  evening  he  shouldered  his  gun,  when  every  man  was  ordered  on 
duty  to  protect  the  fort  from  the  charge  of  Gen.  Terry's  men.  The  boy 
met  death  soon,  and  his  spirit  was  wafted  onward  to  a  Heavenly  home. 

"The  General  received  his  mortal  wound  in  the  same  contest,  in  the 
thickest  of  the  fight. 

"I  tried  to  find  the  remains  of  my  dear  boy  friend,  but  in  vain.  He 
rests  in  a  nameless  grave,  but  his  memory  shall  ever  be  treasured." 

When,  a  few  days  hence,  the  patriotic  women  of  this  city 
and  State  shall  see  the  fruition  of  their  hopes  and  labors, 
and  amid  the  thunders  of  cannon,  and  the  acclamations  of 
thousands,  yonder  superb  memorial  to  our  dead  shall  flash 
upon  the  vision  of  the  multitude,  may  that  proud  figure 
which  surmounts  it  in  manly  dignity,  stand  forever  the 
majestic  symbol  of  duty  performed — of  heroic  courage,  of 
sublime  fortitude.  May  it  tell  forever  the  story  that  when 
the  sun  set  upon  the  cross-barred  flag  at  Appomattox,  it 
could  not  set  upon  the  character  that  makes  North  Carolina 
what  she  is.  May  it  speak  to  every  youth  who  passes 
under  its  shadow  the  words  of  glorious  Whiting: 

"  Come,  my  boy,  have  no  fear  in  the  path  of  duty  ;  I,  the  Spirit  of 
the  Dead,  will  go  with  you  !  " 


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